THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


ZORABELLA 


ZORABELLA 

A  POETIC  TRAGEDY 

IN  FIVE  ACTS 


BY 

C.  VICTOR  STAHL 


NEW  YORK 

THE  NEALE  PUBLISHING  COMPANY 
1915 


Copyright,  1915,  by 
THE  NEALE  PUBLISHING  COMPANY 


DRAMATIS  PERSONS 

CANDAULES,  King-consort  of  Lydia. 
GYGES,  Chief  General  of  the  King's  Army. 
MOROZ,  Premier. 

BOGOLSA,  Lydian  Prince,  Brother  to  Zorabella,  enam 
ored  of  Hermogena. 

MORASHNA      "I 

„  r  Generals  in  the  King's  Army. 

ZULESHA 

-> 

LORDS. 

MASTER  OF  CEREMONIES. 

ZORABELLA,  Queen  of  Lydia. 

HERMOGENA,  Lydian  Princess,  disputed  Heir  to  King 
dom. 

VERA,  Maid  to  Hermogena. 

ATTENDANTS. 

TIME  -.About  800  B.  C. 

PLACE  :  Sardis,  Capital  of  Lydia,  in  Asia  Minor. 

SCENES  :  Act  I. — Throne  room  of  the  queen.  Act  II. 
— Garden  of  the  palace.  Act  III.,  Scene  I. — 
Anteroom  to  ball  room;  Scene  II. — Ball  room 
of  palace.  Act  IV. — Conference  room  of  the 
palace.  Act  V. — Sleeping  chamber  of  king. 


6229S9 


ZORABELLA 

ACT  I 

SCENE  I. — Throne  room  of  the  royal  palace.  Gyges, 
Moroz,  lords,  and  attendants.  Gyges  and 
Moroz  in  quarrel. 

Gyges.     Let  me  not  hear't  again. 

Moroz.  Thine  ears  corral ; 

Thou  canst  not  seal  my  lips. 
Gyges.  I  can  thy  life. 

Beware  to  give  me  cause. 
Moroz.  Trust  not  in  that 

Till  of  thy  strength  thou'st  made  full  proof. 
Gyges.  Come,  come ! 

Let's  not  to  arms. — 'T  will  but  offend  the  queen. 

Thou  shalt  repent  of  this. 

Moroz.  Not  of  the  truth. 

Gyges.     Ay  there!     What  dost  thou  mean? 
Moroz.  Thou  art  a  traitor. 

Gyges.    [Drawing]  Thou  liest. 
Moroz.  Deny  it, — if  thou  canst. 

Gyges.  By  Zeus, 

I  do! 
Moroz.     With  words  alone,  thou  swaggerer, 

But  not  with  deeds. 

7 


8  ZORABELLA 

Gyges.    [Raising  sword]    Beware,  if  I  do  strike 

Moroz.     Strike,  strike,  O  cursed  coward  that  thou  art ! 

Though  be  thy  sword  of  adamantine  steel 

And  forged  in  Vulcan's  smithy, — if  thou  dar'st, 

Thou  yet  wilt  find  my  sword  full  wrought  as  thine, 

And  truer  in  its  stroke. 
Gyges.  Think'st  thou  to  fright  me? 

Come,   if  thou  wilt.     Though   I   do  loathe  the 
combat 

That  should  these  holy  walls  do  sacrilege, 

Yet  thou  constrainest  me. 
Moroz.  'Tis  well  for  thee, 

Thou  blusterer,  thy  reason's  not  amiss. 
Gyges.     Call'st  thou  it  cowardice, — my  piety! 

Come,  come.     I'll  challenge  thee.     Here  is  my 
glove, 

Thine  there  cast  down ;  and  on  yon  distant  field, — 

Where  anger  need  not  fear  protecting  shrines, 

Where  fly  the  trophies  of  my  stalwart  arm, — 

I'll  dare  thee  to  the  proof. 

Moroz.  Unworthy  slave, 

Take  up  thy  glove.    Think'st  thou  'tis  meet  that  I 
Should  answer  thee? 

Gyges.  Give  me  the  proof. 

Moroz.  Away ! 

Gyges.  O  Gods,  to  each  discerning  man  vouchsafe 
The  proof  I  clamor  for, — the  baseless  charge, 
Whereof  I  stand  accused! 

Moroz.  If  thou  but  wilt, 

Thou  hast  it,  sir.    In  honor  to  thy  rank, — 
That  dost  not  oft  such  base  intriguers  shield, — 
I  had  not  thought  to  breathe  it  here.     'Twill  not 


ZORABELLA  9 

Add  justice  to  thy  cause,  nor  please  thine  ears 

To  hear  me  speak. 
Gyges.  Out!    Out!    Thy  lying  tongue 

Can  thrill  me  naught  with  fear. 
Moroz.  Conspirator ! 

Ten  thousand  Lydians  hiss  it  at  thy  back, 
Who  dare  not  charge  it  to  thy  face.    Thou'lt  see 
Thy  colleague  here,  with  wet  and  weeping  eyes, — 
The  loved  Bogolsa,  pride  of  Lydia's  heart, — 
Who  shall  in  tears  beg  pittance  of  his  life 
Before  our  queen.    Thou  madest  him  rebel. 
Deny  it  not,  for  thou  a  traitor  art, 
And  here's  the  proof.    [Producing  letter]     This 
telltale  missive  here, — 

Chanced  on  by  slaves  upon  the  battlefield, 

Writ  to  Bogolsa  and  his  treacherous  band, — 

Like  cannon's  charge, — that  knells  base  traitors' 
doom, — 

Roars  out  thy  guilt. 
Gyges.  Who  dares  my  name  enlist 

In  such  foul  forgery?    Give  me  that  here. 

[  They  begin  wrestling  for  the  letter] 
Lords.     Peace,  peace !    Here  comes  the  queen. 
Moroz.  Say,  are  ye  sure? 

Then  I  shall  make  an  issue  of  this  cause. 

Her  word  is  Lydia's  law. 
Gyges.  Thou  art  a  fool, 

She  shall  not  hear  thee,  sir. 
Moroz.  But  thee  she  shall, — 

She'll  hear  thy  plea. 
Gyges.  Be  not  of  that  assured ; 

Since  this   my  sword   shall   saw  thy  slanderous 
tongue 


10  ZORABELLA 

That  dares  to  give  such  falsehoods  breath.    Come, 

come! 

To  arms !     [Drawing] 

Moroz.     [Defending     himself]     Stand     there,     thou 
braggart,  stand,  stand,  stand! 

[Enter  Zorabella,  Candaules,  Morashna,  Zulesha, 
Hermogena,  and  attendants] 

Zorabella.     Stop!  Stop,  I  say!     What  is  the  matter 

here, 

That  swords  are  drawn  and  poignards,  dagger- 
edged  ? 

What  vagrant  planet's  out  ?    What  lunar  phase 
Our   throne   inebriates?      [To    Gyges]      On   thy 
oath,  speak! 

Gyges.     He  hath  abused  me,  gentle  queen. 

Candaules.    [To  one  of  the  lords]    See'st  that? 

She  fronts  him  first.     In  him  she  plants  a  trust, 
I  fear,  exceeding  mine.     It  matters  not, — 
He  is  a  worthy  general. 

Lord.     [Aside]    Take't  not  so ! 

If  I  were  thou,  my  liege,  I  should  then  give 
To  seeming  trifles  more  than  trifling  care. 

Zorabella.     [To  Gyges]     What  hath  he  said? 

Moroz.  Nothing,  my  gentle  queen, 

That  were  not  true. 

Gyges.  Be  still ! 

Zorabella.     [Waving     sceptre]     Yea,     peace!       [To 
Gyges]     Speak  on ! 

Gyges.     He  falsely  cried  at  me,  "Conspirator!" 
Yet,  on  my  plea  demanding  proof,  did  load 
Such  heap  of  shameful  charges  on  my  back 


ZORABELLA  11 

That  Atlas  had  not  borne.    To  'quit  myself, 
Then  did  I  draw  the  sword  which  now  thou  see'st, 
And,  in  reply,  he  drew.     I  grieve  the  fray. 
Zorabella.     Thou  needest  not.    If  these  thy  words  be 

true, 

Thou  shouldst  be  knighted.    To  defend  one's  life 
Is  well,  but  nobler  't  is  to  keep  one's  name 
From  every  slanderous  rival's  rash  assault. 
Moroz.     O  my  dear  Majesty,  attend  my  cause! 

Why,  here's  the  proof.       [Giving  her  the  letter] 
Gyges.  Beware !   'Tis  forgery ! 

Zorabella.     Is  this  thy  hand?     [Reading]     'T  is  not. 

No  hand  of  thine 

Had  ever  moulded  this  from  such  a  heart 
As  I  do  know  of  thee.     Besides,  the  hand  [Pe 
rusing  it  carefully] 
Runs  not  at  all  like  thine — 
Candaules.  Be  thou  but  sure, 

If  thou  wouldst  make  thy  judgment  good. 
Moroz.     [To  king]     Unheard! 

A  waste  of  time  it  were  to  press  the  plaint. 
Zorabella.     [Tearing  letter]     Come,  come,  a  private 

matter  't  is,  I  fear, 
That's  stol'n  the  stamp  of  state.     Come  now,  I 

say, 

Your  brawl  dissolve,  whose  oft  recurring  blows 
Have  twanged  on  Lydia's  peace.     Go  hence,  ye 

guards, 

And  bring  Bogolsa  here.     [Zorabella  and  Can 
daules  ascend  throne] 

[Enter  Bogolsa,  who  is  led  in,  bound  in  chains] 
Candaules.  There  now  he  comes, 


12  ZORABELLA 

0  sundered  Lydia !    Rent  is  thy  law ! 

How   groans   it   now    'neath    treason's    ulcerous 
wounds ! 

Zorabella.     Am  I  the  surgeon,  king?    Thou  mak'st  me 

grieve 

To  point  my  duty.     Know'st  thou  not  my  love? 
Oh,  what  a  bitter  task  it  is,  my  lord, 
To  loose  the  words  that  justice  bids  me  hurl 
'Gainst  him  within  whose  veins  doth  course  my 

blood ! 

Alas! 

My  boy !  that  never  were  I  Lydia's  queen, 
Or  that  thou  hadst  not  done't!    What  canst  thou 

say 
To  mitigate  thy  dread  offense? 

Bogolsa.  Nothing. 

1  ask  but  pity,  queen.     Beguiled  was  I : 
Proud,    vain,    and    fawning  hopes   my    soul    de 
ceived, 

Youth's  ambient  zeal  did  swell  my  throbbing  veins, 
My  heart  did  leap   from   earth   to   heav'n,   and 

sought 

To  compass  all  between.     The  very  skies 
Did  with  their  transient  glory  hail  me  king, — 
As  I  did  read  their  smiling  indices, 
Bade  me  meet   fate,   strive  hand   in  hand  with 

death, — 

To  vex  me  with  deceit.     Oh,  how  ripe  age 
Usurps  mine  erring  youth !    Ye  gods,  attest : 
This  puffed  exuberant  youth  I  now  cast  off, 
And  thou  smit'st  age.    Mine  errant  ways  forgive, 
And  if  thou  e'er  didst  rock  me  on  thy  knee, 
And  softly  hum  to  me  sweet  lullabies, — 


ZORABELLA  13 

My  dreamland  flights  with  tender  kisses  sealed, — 

If  ever  these,  and  more  than  these,  thou  didst 

As  thou  o'er  me  a  mother's  care  didst  keep, 

Then,    by   the    Zeus    that    ruleth    heaven's    high 
throne, 

Not  fruitless  is  my  plea!     Thy  sympathy 

From  out  the  deep  abyss  of  time  call  forth, 

And  speak  me  pardoned,  free. 
Zorabella.  Brother,  alas ! 

What  must  I  do  ?— Alas ! 
Bogolsa.  Do  as  thou  wilt. 

If  thou  art  firm,  if  thus  thy  mind  is  fixed, 

'Tis  not  my  plea  that  I  have  not  deserved — 

I  stand  prepared. 
Zorabella.  Dost  thou  defiance  speak? 

Think'st  thou  that  this  mine  act  were  tyranny, 

Were  I  to  read  thy  doom? 
Bogolsa.  My  doom  is  fixed! 

Hold  off  thy  tongue  no  longer,  queen.    'Tis  done ! 

Thou  hast  bereft  me  of  my  father's  wealth 

And  now  thou  seek'st  my  life. 

Zorabella.  'Fore  heaven, — thou  liest! 

Bogolsa.     I  do  not.    Come, — here  am  I,  come, — do  thy 
worst. 

Thou  shalt  not  see  a  timorous  coward  die — 
Zorabella.     Then   'tis  thy  will, — thou  vauntest   it, — 
to  feel 

The  hand  that  thou  hast  cursed.     Go  headsman, 
go! 

Within  this  very  hour, — yea,  make  me  hear 

His  traitorous  head  is  stricken  off. 

[Guards  rush  up  and  seize  Bogblsa} 
Bogolsa.  Alas ! 


14  ZORABELLA 

Dear  queen, — if  sister  no, — forgive  the  words 
My  rampant  tongue  did  wield.     The  heart  ne'er 

spoke. 
Cursed  be  the  lips  that  freed  them.     Canst  not 

o'erlook 
These  unmeant  mutterings? 

Zorabella.     [To  guards]     Bear  him  from  hence. 

Hermogena.     [Falling  on  her  knees}     O  queen,  let 

not  thine  anger  sway  thy  heart 
To  deeds  of  cruelty.    On  knees  I  beg 
That  thou  thy  judgment  mayst  revoke.     'T  is  true 
He  hath  transgressed;  but  penitent  he  stands, 
His  sorrow  pleading  pity's  alms. 

Zorabella.  Away ! 

Dost    thou    thus    seek, — which    none    has    ever 
dared, — 

My  royal  will  to  sway  ? 
Hermogena.  It  is  but  love, — 

Pure  love, — that  makes  me  plead  his  cause.    Alas ! 

Mine  honored  queen,  must  he  so  basely  die 

For  one  small  fault  of  youth  ?    And  he's  thy  kin  ! 

Then,  know  thou  well,  my  queen,  if  thou  but 
stick'st 

To  this  so  firm  resolve,  then  here  I  lay 

My  life,  my  hopes,  my  fortunes  at  thy  feet, 

And  beg  the  stroke  that  cleaves  his  tender  brow 

To  end  my  pitying  passion  too. 
Zorabella.  Plead  not! 

Or, — by  the  power  that  made  me  Lydia's  queen  ! — 

It  shall  be  done. 
Hermogena.     But  hear,  my  queen, — oh,  hear ! 

He  hath  been  led.    His  guilt  is  not  alone. 


ZORABELLA  15 

Zorabella.     Mine  ears  are  stopped.    By  this  thou  art 

attaint 
With    treason's    curse.      For   this   most   heinous 

crime 

I  do  subtract  from  thee  all  lands  and  tithes 
That  thou  here  hold'st. 

Candaules.     O  queen,  what  hast  thou  done? 

Thou  hast  once  loved, — hast  fanned  love's  zeal 
ous  spark, 

Hast  blown  it  to  a  flame.    Our  nuptial  night 
So  blazed  that  ardor  in  thy  roseate  cheeks 
It  did  each  torch  outshine.    Dost  thou  construe 
This,  treason  to  the  state,  to  love, — but  love? 
Fie!     Mockery!     Reverse  thy  judgment,  queen. 
Or  thou  shalt  lay  an  evil  precedent, 
Whereby  the  guileless  lover  may  be  charged 
With  all  her  gallant's  reckless  deeds. 

Gyges.     [To  Zorabella]     Say  on! 

Thine  is  the  sceptre  and  the  judgment,  queen. 
What  thou  declar'st  is  law  in  Lydia. 
See  how  thine  amorous  spouse  subverts  the  law, 
For  but  bright  eyes,  and  ruddy  lips  and  hair  ? 

Zorabella.     [To  Gyges]  Why,  thou  speak'st  well.  [To 

Candaules]     Thou  hollow-hearted  man, 
Art  thou  not  pleased  at  this?     Thy  love  should 

give 

A  second  to  my  judgment,  not  it  dispute. 
But  no,  thou  from  her  glancing  ceillades  read'st 
A  cue  to  thwart  my  just  design.     O  gods! — 
Be  these  a  woman's  charms? 

Candaules.  Come, — answer  me. 

What  wilt  thou  do? 

Zorabella.  Nothing  that  will  thee  please, — 


16  ZORABELLA 

I  can  assure  thee  that. 
Candaules.  That's  no  reply. 

Zorabella.     Then  none  shalt  thou  receive.     If  thou 

hadst  ears, 
Thou  couldst  have  heard  my  judgment. 

Candaules.  So?    Then  see 

That  thou  err'st  not. 

Zorabella.     [Looking  at  Bogolsa]     Brother, — alas! — 

alas! 

Forsaken  is  thy  cause;  none  pleads  for  thee, 
Though  thou  hast  most  at  stake.   I'll  do  it  then. 
I'll  turn  through  yellowed  leaves  of  bygone  days 
That  chronicle  of  traitors'  deeds,  and,  on 
A  single  precedent  to  prop  my  will, 
Thou  shalt  gain  pardon. 

Bogolsa.  Oh,  mayst  thou  succeed ! 

I  shall  be  penitent. 

Zorabella.  What  valor  here ! 

Oh,  that  thy  guilt  were  all  so  soon  forgot 

As    are    the    deeds    thou    hast    'gainst    Lydia 

wrought, — 
Or  that  't  were  weighed  'gainst  thy  repentance 

now! 

Thou  almost  wringest  from  my  soul  perforce 
What  pardon  Lydia's  statutes  bid  me  nay. 
Howe'er,  a  brief  respite  I'll  grant  to  thee, 
That  meanwhile  I  may  meditate  upon 
Some  way  to  exercise  my  clemency. 

[Exeunt  Candaules,  Moroz,  Morashna,  Zulesha,  Her- 
mogena,  lords,  and  attendants,  Bogolsa  taken 
out  by  guards.  Zorabella,  starting  out,  is 
detained  by  Gyges] 


ZORABELLA  17 

Gyges.     Thou  hast  thy  lord  offended. 

Zorabella.  Say  not  so. 

Himself  he  doth  offend, — begrimes  his  soul 
The  deep  sea's  depth, — when  he  doth  stoop  so 

low 
As  fall  a  prey  to  that  dame's  flattery. 

Gyges.     I   hardly   think't.     Though  he   for   her  did 

plead 
'Gainst    thine    opposing   will.      'T    was    nature's 

fault,— 

The  heart  ne'er  sanctioned  it. 

Zorabella.  Then  he's  most  false, 

If  with  his  lips  he  doth  belie  his  heart, — 
A  spy  that  tears  his  country's  vitals  out 
And  jeers  at  them.    His  nature  is  too  grave 
To  humor  such  a  feint.    Now  what  think'st  thou  ? 
Thou  art  an  honest  man.     Tell  me  thy  thought. 
Gyges.     Well,  thou  hast  eyes.     Why  needst  thou  to 

inquire? 

Didst  not  see  all?    How  could  I  aid  thee,  queen, 
If  thou,  perceiving,  sawst  not, — didst  attend, 
Yet  heardest  not?     For  naught,  thou  know'st, 

was  hidd'n 
From  eye  nor  ear. 

Zorabella.  Leave  off  thy  riddle,  sir. 

Or  solve  it  now.    The  sphinx  ne'er  shook  her  head 

More  strange  than  thou.     By  this,  my  sceptered 
hand, 

I  bid  thee  speak. 
Gyges.  Thou  canst  not  wring  me  so. 

I  see  my  presence  doth  embarrass  thee, 

Which  my  prompt  leave  shall  cure. 
Zorabella.  Oh,  stay,  my  lord, 


18  ZORABELLA 

And  tell  me  more.  Why  fret  my  doubting  heart 
With  bold  suggestion  mere  ?  Make  me  to  know — 
To  know't — 

Gyges.     Time  shall ;  and  others  fitter  are 
To  list  their  service  in  such  serious  toil 
As  traffic  in  a  woman's  jealousy. 

Zorabella.     Fear  not.     I'll  pay  thee  well. 

Gyges.  I  thank  thee,  queen. 

'Tis  not  that  I  seek  gain,  nor  hope  for  meed, 
That  I  unfold  this  thing.    But  virtue  rules, 
Nor  wants  foul  scandal  roused  in  Lydia's  realm, — 
'Bove   all,    when    it    doth   gnaw    our    kingdom's 

head, — 
That  thy  dull  ears  should  not  be  partner  to. 

Zorabella.     What?    Speak'st  of  scandal,  lord? 

Gyges.  Dost  thou  not  know 

How  their  love  hath  been  bruited  in  the  court? 
Hast  thou  not  heard  him  oft  admire,  my  queen, 
Her  beauteous  charm?     Didst  thou  thyself  not 

see 

With  what  a  sympathetic  eye  he  looked  on  her, — 
Love's  very  sign? 

Zorabella.  O  faithless  man!    O  brute! 

Gyges.     Wouldst  thou  the  truth? 

Zorabella.  Each  jot  thou  know'st,  my  lord. 

Gyges.   If  that  be  so,  then  let  us  now  withdraw. 
Rejoin  me  promptly  at  the  northmost  gate, 
Whence  I  shall  lead  thee  to  the  arborage. 
There,  from  a  chance  eavesdropping,  did  I  glean 
They  would  most  shortly  meet  again.     Till,  then, 
Say  naught,  swear  naught,  breathe  naught.    Leave 

all  to  me, 
And  I  shall  give  to  thee  such  certitude 


ZORABELLA  19 

As  all  the  world  would  take  for  proof.     Adieu! 

[Exit  Gyges] 
Zorabella.     Oh,  let  me  rub  my  blinded  eyes !     Off, — 

off, 

Thou  veil  of  unsuspecting  innocence! 
Can  it  be  true?     But  for  this  trusty  lord, 
I  had  been  happy  in  a  pander's  bed, 
Not  knowing  otherwise.     O  heartsick  queen, 
How  thou  didst  love  him!     Yea!     Not  all  the 

wealth 

That  Persia's  greatness  pours  in  Lydia's  lap, 
Nor  Arab  silks,  nor  India's  priceless  gems, 
Nor  thrice  the  power  that  Lydia's  sceptre  lends 
Can  give  thee  pleasure  now.    Oh,  sin  of  sins ! 
If  but  his  guilt  did  lie  in  lack  of  thrift 
Or  drunkenness,  or  bold  irreverence, — 
Or  any  sin  the  gods  do  load  on  men, — 
So,  by  the  heavens,  it  were  not  this  !    Hist !    Hist ! 
Ah,  there  he  comes.    Brute  !  fiend  !  I  hate  him !  So ! 

[While  she  soliloquizes,  Candaules  passes,  but  Zora 
bella  keeps  in  hiding] 

With  Hermogene  comes  he  to  keep  his  hour. 
Oh,   could   I   stop   him !     Now   the   time   draws 

nigh. 

Alack !  that  I  must  go,  and  let  him  stride 
Unnoticed  on.     Oh,  oh, — my  heart!      [E;nY] 


Candaules.  Alas ! 

That  this  so  goodly  proffered  courtesy 


20  ZORABELLA 

To  one  no  dearer  than  the  humblest  slave, 
Whose    misplanned    deeds    have    wrought    sore 

chastisement, 

Should  fly  the  queen  in  such  a  rage.    My  heart 
Was  touched,  and,  out  of  naught  but  sympathy, 
Did  I  to  thwart  her  galling  vengeance  dare. 
But,  as  time  heals  and  cools  all  civil  jars, 
So  shall  I  stay  mine  intercession  now 
And  scant  my  presence  in  her  company, 
In  hope  that  she  in  lonesome  pondering, 
Reviewing  this  o'erhasty  act,  may  rue  't. 
And,  as  with  blinded  passion  she  did  judge, 
With  so  great  sorrow  will  she  right  her  wrong. 
In  this  affair  my  general  may  serve. 
Ah,  there  he  comes ! 

[Enter  Gyges] 

How  now, — how  fares  the  queen? 
Gyges.     Mad  as  the  storm;  the  sea  is  not  less  sure. 
'Most  hourly  doth  she  fret  and  rave,  and  puts 
Such  foolish  missions  on  her  retinue 
Their  errands  do  eclipse. 
Candaules.  She  likes  thee  well. 

Thou   mayst   advise   her.     But   lend  to   me  thy 

word, — 
Thou  hast  my  sceptre  and  my  will.     [Restlessly 

moves  away} 
Gyges.  That  power 

I'll  use  most  carefully.    I  hope,  my  liege, 

I  soon  may  bring  good  news.    What, — go'st  thou 

now? 
It  needs  must  be  an  urgent  matter,  king, 


ZORABELLA  21 

That   makes   thee   leave   good    friends   so   soon. 

Wherefore? 
Appointment, — is  it  not? 

Candaules.  With  Hermogene — 

Gyges.    Ah?     So  I  thought. 

Candaules.  Within  the  arborage 

To  talk  the  day's  sad  chancings  o'er.    Poor  soul ! 
I  pity  her.    Would  I  could  lend  her  aid, 
And  ease  her  aching  heart ! 

Gyges.  Why  couldst  thou  not  ? 

Thou  couldst  do  much  for  her. 

Candaules.  Such  is  my  hope. 

Her  deepest  crime  is  but  her  boundless  love! 
Do  thou  assuage  the  queen,  and  ply  her  well 
The  soon'st  good  hour  to  list  this  virtuous  cause ; — 
And  mayst  thou  prosper  well.     Adieu,  my  lord! 
[Exit] 

Gyges.     Oh,  what  a  heaved  ambition  strikes  my  soul ! 
Oh,  but  to  vault  to  mine  imperious  aim 
I  care  not  what  I  do !    I  would  be  mild, 
Did  it  but  profit  me !    But  I  must  not, 
If  I  myself  do  love.     Soon  must  the  hatch, 
Which  I  have  set,  its  horrid  brood  disclose. 
Suspicion,  rat-like,  gnaws  the  queen's  proud  soul, 
Wherein  the  fair,  untitled  Hermogene 
Shall   serve  me  well.     What   of   those   dazzling 

charms, — 

Now  kindling  fresh  the  queen's  deep  jealousy, — 
When  they,  forsooth,  have  won  Candaules  o'er, 
And  made  him  plead  her  cause?    E'en  now  the 

queen, — 

By  my  most  timed  remarks  thereto  impelled, — 
Sees  horrid  lust  in  our  king's  just  intent, 


22  ZORABELLA 

Which  was  as  pure  as  Dian's  chastity. 
Now  add  to  this  Bogolsa's  chastisement — 
Too  much  he  knows  of  my  crown-seeking  aim — 
'T  were  but  an  act  of  state,  should  our  great  king, 
In  lieu  of  her  most  unapproved  delay, 
Give  warrant  to  his  death.     A  trifling  thing, — 
But  great  enough  to  flaunt  it  to  the  queen 
That  thus  he  plucked  a  rival  to  his  love 
By  craft  of  state.    Yea,  she  shall  harp  thereat, 
And  from  the  shadow  of  his  corpse  shall  rise 
A  passion  that  shall  minister  to  mine. 
Yea,  she  shall  slay ;  and  when  she  thus  is  free, 
Then  she  is  mine !    Hist !    Hist !    They  now  con 
fer. 

There  shall  I  lead  the  queen,  that  this  false  sign 
Shall  ope  her  eyes  and  fan  her  smouldering  wrath 
Unto  its  sheer  apex.     [Exit} 


ACT  II 
SCENE  1. — Garden  of  the  Palace. 

[Enter  Gyges  and  Zorabella} 
Gyges.     [To  Zorabella}     Come  hither,  queen. 
A  grove  of  palms  is  their  gay  try  sting  place, 
Adorned  with  clustering  grasses,  sweet  and  wild ; 
The  shrill-voiced  lark  and  merry  mocking-bird 
There  amorous  ditties  sing  unto  their  love, 
And  panderous  nature  seems  on  them  to  shower 
What  rights  to  holy  wedlock  are  denied. 
All  nature  joins  to  swell  the  luscious  sweets, 
That  them  forbidd'n  wax  sweeter,  sweeter  still. 
Now  is  the  hour.    Arise,  and  come  with  me. 
I  shall  that  too  perplexing  riddle  loose 
That  thou  didst  chide  me  for,  and  prove  to  thee 
That  never  truth  to  fiction  stranger  was 
Than  this  to  thy  belief.    What  then  thou  dost, 
I'd  wager  not  to  answer,  'less  it  be 
That  thou  art  falser  than  the  Trojan  Helen, 
And  hast  no  pleasure  in  his  love. 
Zorabella.  No  more ! 

At  once  I'll  go. 

[They  move  forward  toward  a  grove  of  palms,  re 
maining  at  a  distance.  Within  sit  Candaules 
and  Hermogena,  whose  conversation  is  heard 
by  audience,  but  not  by  Gyges  and  Zora 
bella] 

23 


24  ZORABELLA 

Hermogena.     [To  Candaules]     I  dwell  not  on  mine 

ills, 

But  plead  for  him.    That  I  am  dispossessed 
To  me  is  naught,  but  thus  of  him  bereft 
Is  more  than  life. 

Candaules.  Thou  art  a  lover  true. 

Oh,  that  the  world  did  teem  with  such  as  thou! 

Hermogena.     May  thus  I  ever  prove.    Take  this  my 

life, 
If  e'er  to  him  I  do  disloyal  prove. 

Gyges.     [To  Zorabella]     Aha!    Aha!    Look  there! 

Zorabella.  False  mockery ! 

Gyges.    Art  thou  convinced? 

Zorabella.    Gyges, — thou  art  my  friend. 

Come,  draw  me  closer  on.    I'd  sound  their  speech. 
O  brutish  man  !    O  fiend  of  fiends !    So  to  use 
A  woman's  love !     [Starts  forward  in  rage] 

Gyges.  Be  calm,  my  noble  queen. 

If  such  mere  seeming  starts  thy  jealous  rage, — 
Which  should  not  e'en  be  in  the  budding  now, — 
How  couldst  thou  brook  the  proof?    A  rash  ap 
proach 

Our  close  espial  to  them  would  quite  reveal 
And  shrivel  up  our  cause.    Besides,  he  might 
Be  armed,  and  desperate  in  his  sudden  snare, — 
Like  bandits,  who  their  interceptors  slay, — 
Assail  us  with  his  sword. 

Zorabella.  Then  let  him  strike! 

Know  thou  I  bear  a  goodly  weapon  here,    [Draw 
ing  sword] 

Whose   yet   untarnished   brightness   ne'er   drank 
blood 


ZORABELLA  25 

In  this  arm's  action, — so  stands  the  more  prepared 
The  keener  wound  to  make.  But  should  I  fail, — 
And  his  dull  sword  should  pierce  my  breast, — 

know  this : 

That  't  would  be  but  a  wished  addition,  lord, 
To  these  the  strokes  he  gives  me  now.    Lead  on ! 

Gyges.     Have  care,  my  queen.     Leave  me  to  pilot 

thee 

O'er  this  tin  fathomed  sea.    Thou  like  the  ship 
Must  docile  be  and  subject  to  command, 
If  thou  wouldst  breast  the  wave.    If  thou  couldst 

know, — 

What  for  thine  ease  thou  oughtest  not,  but  yet 
What  to  thine  ears  is  due, — what  sighs  are  spent 
By  thy  most  cruel,  unfaithed,  incestuous  spouse, 
What  longing  hopes,  what  foolish,  lingering  tears, 
What  assignations,  and  what  deeds  of  shame, — 
Orestes'  hands  would  not  more  bloody  be 
Than  thine  in  thy  revenge. 

Zorabella.  Oh,  tell  me  now, 

That  I  may  fill  mine  office.  Come,  sweet  revenge, 
Be  ever  mine ! 

Gyges.  Be  not  impatient,  queen, 

They'll  tell  themselves.    Let  us  steal  closer  now, 
Yet  be  unseen.    Look  there! 
[Hcrmogena  imploringly  grasps  Candaules'  hand] 

Zorabella.  O  heavens ! — earth ! 

O  base  hypocrisy!    What  smites  the  heart 
More  keen  than  this?     False  man,  who  once  so 

faithed 

Eternal  troth  at  God's  high  altar  swore! 
Is't  come  to  this? 

Gyges.  Thyself  control.    But  list ! 


26  ZORABELLA 

Candaules.     [To  Hermogena}     Alas,  for  him  there  is 

no  hope!     But  thou, — 

Thou  needest  not  despair.  I  know  thou  art 
Most  innocent.  Most  promptly  shall  I  urge 
The  queen  to  heed  thy  cause. 

Hermogena.  Thou'rt  kind,  O  king, 

To  hear  my  sad  belated  words.    Much  thanks ! 
So  short  my  merits  to  thine  honors  fall 
That  I  do  shame  to  beg.    Forgive  these  tears, — 
Like  friends  upon  the  dying  beggar's  hour, 
They  come  to  ease  me  in  my  bitter  grief 
And  truly  do  me  service. 

[Zorabella  and  Gyges  approach  within  hearing  dis 
tance] 

Here,  take  this  ring, 
Whose    hallowed    charms,    by    my    dear    mother 

blessed, 

Do  bring  what  fortune  that  the  wearer  asks, 
No  matter  what  his  will. 

Candaules.     [Taking  ring]     Rest  thou  at  ease. 
I'll  gladly  take  it,  gentle  Hermogene, 
And,  in  exchange,  thee  sweet  assurance  give 
Of  future  remedy. 

Zorabella.     [Aside]     "Thee  sweet  assurance,"  sir, 
"Of  future  remedy !"    I'll  blast  thy  game. 
What  remedy  can  make  thy  passion  well 
But  to  pluck  out  the  thorn  that  chokes  its  growth, 
As  I  do  thwart  thy  love?    Oho!     Oho! 
Ere  Hecates'  bat  hath  sought  her  hollow  bog 
Within  the  dusky  wood  this  plot  I'll  mar, 
If  I  have  woman's  strength.     The  heavens  fore- 
fend! 
Let  none  foul  portion  against  mine  anger  stir, 


ZORABELLA  27 

Lest  it  may  gripe  its  own  concocter's  breast! 
Gyges.     Thou'rt  moved,  my  queen. 
Zorabclla.  Nay,  braved,  my  lord. 

Gyges.  Beware ! 

Perhaps   with  groundless   rage  thou   rack'st  thy 

soul 
At     words     misstrued,     wherein     thyself     thou 

wrong'st. 
All  may  be  well. 
Zorabella.     Teach  me  so  to  believe, — 

If't  be  thou  canst.     Oh,  that  thou  couldst !     But 

nay — 

Gyges.    Judge  for  thyself.    For  me,  I  do  not  like 
That  stroke  of  hand.     [Points  to  Hermogena,  who 
extends  hand  to  Candaules,  as  in  parting]  It 
may  be  courtesy. 
Zorabella.    Say'st  "courtesy"?   What  dost  thou  think, 

my  lord? 

Gyges.     Should  I  express  my  thoughts? 
Zorabclla.  Thou  must,  I  say. 

By  my  divinity,  no  man  should  think 
Such  evil  thoughts  that  were  too  foul  to  speak ! 
The  very  sign  of  lust  and  shame  it  is 
To  stroke  the  hand, — so, — so!     Base  wanton, — 

she! 

All  strumpets  do  upon  their  lovers  fall, 
Make  mimic  faces  at  their  cares,  and  smile, 
And  with  soft  perfumed  lips  and  candied  tongues 
Profess  to  them  the  faith  they  cannot  give; 
Cast  all  their  virtues  at  those  sodden  feet 
For  but  their  life's  most  vile  necessities ; 
Where  good  wives   do  command.     He   fawned 
on  me, 


28  ZORABELLA 

When  he  my  love  did  woo,  but  I  ne'er  gave 

Him  book,  nor  charm,  nor  ring,  nor  anything. 
Gyges.     Ah !  there's  thy  fault,  my  queen.     Dost  thou 
not  know 

What  trivial  things  do  bind  a  husband's  love, — 

A  tie  of  gaudy  hue,  a  lobster  stew  ? 

And,  in  their  absence,  love  is  easily  lost. 

Within  the  gap  of  thine  affection's  lack 

Doth  she,  I  fear,  with  shows  of  love,  leap  in, 

And,  where  thou  losest,  win. 

Zorabella.  Dost  thou  think  so? 

Gyges.     Is't  not  attested  here? 
Zorabella.  Ye  heavenly  powers ! 

Let  me  not  e'er  my  true  self  wantonize 

To  stoop  as  wantons  do,  e'en  though  I  lose 

Each  drop  of  Candaules'  love. 
Gyges.  Look,  look !    They  rise. 

Zorabella.     Oh,  halt  them  then !     By  heavens !  let  me 

away!     [Advances,  tearing  her  brooch  from 

her  bosom} 

This  brilliant  here,  set  with  bright  pearly  gems, 
Whose  lustre  once  all  Ethiop  outshone, 
Grows  dark  as  Pluto's  brow,  when  I  do  think 
How  black  the  heart  that  gave't.    False  fiend,  'tis 

thine ! 
Take    back   thy    proffered    love!      [Prepares   to 

throw  it  at  Candaules} 

Gyges.     [Restraining  her}     Do  not!    Hold!    List! 
Candaules.     [To    Hermogena}       Now    let    this    our 

zealous  parting  e'en  be  this, 
To  swear  a  silence  still  as  midnight  air, 
And  breathe  to  none  our  parley  here.    'Tis  not 
That  we  do  wrong, — nay,  nay ! — but  rather  seek 


ZORABELLA  29 

To  halt  what  might  on  gossip's  tongue  be  borne 
To  unforgiving  ears.     Thy  servant  I, — 
And  thou  canst  count  me  thus. 
Hermogena.      [Seeing   Zorabella   approaching}     Oh, 

let  me  fly ! 
The  queen! 

Candaules.     No,  stay ! 

[Exit  Hernwgena,  running.     Exit  Gyges  in  opposite 

direction} 

Zorabella.     [Throwing    brooch    at    Candaules'    feet] 
There,  there!     Thou  base  ingrate! 

Thou  fiend  of  falsity!     Take  back  thy  gem, — 

Envenomed  be  thy  gifts  ! 
Candaules.  Let  me  explain! 

O  jealousy! 
Zorabella.  Away,  O  love,  away! 

Avaunt,  for  thee,  thou  brute,  and  tell  me  nothing ! 

Think'st  thou  a  woman's  heart  be  made  of  steel 

And  would  not  stir  at  this?     Go,  seek  her  now! 

Here  with  my  royal  rites  I'll  bind  thy  love, — 

If  so  thy  pleasure  be, — but  as  for  me, 

Henceforth  be  we  divorced! 
Candaules.  O  cruel !    But  leave, — 

Oh,  leave  to  speak ! 
Zorabella.  Away!    And  quit  my  sight! 

Thou  base  adulterer,  thou  faithless  fiend, — 

Thou  barterer  of  tender  women's  hearts ! 

Too  long  hast  thou  o'er  secret  dalliance  thrown 

A  cloak  of  piety.    List  to  me  now : 

Ere  this,  my  love  did  wind  me  to  thy  vows, 

Made  me  take  all  thy  pledges  for  true  faith, 

But  I'll  ne'er  trust  thee  more. 
Candaules.  There  was  no  wrong! 


30  ZORABELLA 

Name  me  the  deed  to  prove  my  loyalty ! 

Zorabella.     Thou  baser  fiend!     Stoop  not  to  perjury! 
Thy  hope  doth  in  confession  cling.     Add'st  thou 
The  lie  to  this  foul  crime  of  thine?    Oh,  shame, 
That  thou  art  so  bemonstered !     Why  blush, 
Unless,  in  truth,  thou  wert  in  dalliance  here 
With  this  lewd  thing  of  earth?     Why  hath  she 

fled, 

If  free  from  wrong?    How  soon  a  guilty  mind 
Doth  haste  repentance  into  deeds ! 

Candaules.  Alas ! 

I'll  call  her  back.     Hear  her  then  speak  of  this! 
Bid  her  return. 

Zorabella.  Bid  her?    Waste  not  thy  breath ! 

Let  me  not  see  her  face  again. 

Candaules.  Ye  gods ! 

What   jealousy!     What   cure!     Her   lands   and 

tithes 
Doth  she  but  beg  restored — 

Zorabella.     Humph!     Wants  she  those? 

Let  her  ask  me.    And  then, — I'd  spare  her  toil, — 
Tell  her,  though  she  should  plead  in  thunder  tones 
And  wake  the  corpses  from  their  sepulchres, 
That  I  would  still  be  deaf. 

Candaules.  Oh,  thou  art  cruel ! 

She  did  not  err.     Show  me  the  calendar 
That  brands  her  with  crime.    Is  it  so  foul? 
She  is  no  felon. 

Zorabella.  That's  no  question  now. 

Thou'dst  have  me  dash  a  triumph  to  the  love 
That  thou   for  her  dost  hold, — by  heavens,  I'll 

not!— 
To  please  thy  guile.    Let  her  beware  this  hand. 


ZORABELLA  31 

That  smiling  siren, — she, — I'd  pluck  her  eyes 
And  piecemeal  them ;  from  them  I'd  take  all  power 
To  dazzle  and  allure.    Were  she  but  blind, — 
Were  she  of  both  those  roguish  orbits  stripped, — 
Wouldst  thou  for  her  still  plead  ? 
Candaules.  She  hath  been  harmed — 

Zorabella.     Nay,  nay;  thou  hast  been  turned.     Yea, 

by  this  sceptre, 

Dost  thou  confess  thy  guilt  ?     [Pointing  to  brooch 
on  ground] 

Take  up  thy  gem! 

With  this  thy  baseness  be  it  quite  alloyed 
And  nevermore  a  thing  of  mine!     Nay, — nay! 
Here  from  my  crown  this  glittering  opal  take, 
Let  its  rays  fade  with  thine  ingratitude ! 
For  my  great  love,  what  small  return,  alas! 
A  kingdom  was  the  dower  for  thy  love, 
Rich  robes  of  majesty,  tithes,  honors,  all, — 
Gave  I ; — but  thou  aloof  thy  love  dost  hold, — 
Our  nuptial  pact's  most  sole  considerant, — 
And  shrug'st  thy  shoulders  at  my  loyalty. 
Candaules.     Alas,  dear  queen,  most  falsely  miscon 
strued 
Is  my  frank  sympathy.  . 

Zorabella.  Ha !     Sympathy  ? 

A  new-coined  word  for  love.  A  scholar  thou, 
Green  and  unskilled  in  all  the  ways  of  crime, 
Yet  master  in  excuse. 

Candaules.  Yea,  mock, 

But  show  the  means  to  prove  my  perfect  love, 
And  though  it  be  to  wade  the  fires  of  hell 
And  battle  with  grim,  snarling  Cerberus, 
Or  other  demons  on  that  Stygian  shore, — 


32  ZORABELLA 

Say  but  the  word,  and  I  shall  grip  my  steel 
To  honor  thy  command. 

Zorabella.  Away!    No  words! 

Away  with  vaunting  boast !  Thy  words  are  faint 
When  deeds  should  speak.  Come,  I  am  weak  in 

heart, 

And  cannot  more  endure.  Think  of  these  charms 
That  once  thou'dst  smile  to  look  upon.  Fie!  Fie! 
Are  they  grown  stale?  Dost  thou  not  love  me 

more, — 

Nor  see  the  anguish  of  my  suffering  soul? 
Ah,  wilt  thou  longer  bruise  mine  aching  heart 
With  thy  brute  mockery  ? 

Candaules.  I  must  say  naught. 

There's  known  no  word  mine  innocence  to  speak 
But  thou  wouldst  name  it  false.  I  must  say 

naught, — 
Bid  thee  adieu.     [Starting  to  go] 

Zorabella.     Oh,  if  thou  purpose'st  so ; 

To  leave  me  live  a  life  of  endless  torture, 
Let  me  not  wear't  upon  the  rack  so  long, 
But  end  it  now.    Let  me  love's  martyr  be ! 
Come, — take  this  sword  and  with  its  burnished 
point      [Handing    to    him    her    unsheathed 
sword] 
Transfix  mine  unbared  breast. 

Candaules.  Put  up  thy  sword ! 

Thy  passion  is  thy  slave.    I  should  be  sworn 
If  someone  had  not  told  thee  aught.    Be  calm, 
And  thou'lt  have  pledged  assurance  of  my  faith, — 
That  I've  not  fouled  mine  honest  soul  with  crimes 
That  thou  hast  charged  me  with. 

Zorabella.  Thou  hast  a  ring. 


ZORABELLA  33 

Candaules.     [Excitedly]     A  ring?    What  ring? 
[Zorabella  searches  for  ring  given  by  Hermogena  and 

finds  it  in  Candaules'  pocket] 
Zorabella.  Ha !  ha !    Art  honest  now  ? 

Am  I  a  fool  ?    Away !    Tell  me  no  more ! 

Ye  chaste  and  twinkling  stars, — earth,  sky,  and 
sea! 

Bear  witness  to  this  awful  tragedy! 

,Y!e  elements,  oh,  blast  the  nuptial  bond, — 

Engulf  all  vows!     Let  your  foul  curses  smite 

All  who  in  holy  semblance  have  connived 

Such  shallow  bonds  to  join!    Henceforth  live  all 

Pure  lives  of  continence. 
Candaules.  Ye  gods,  attest 

That  I  this  marriage  vow  have  ne'er  profaned ! 

On  bended  knee — 
Zorabella.     O  heavens,  stop  up  your  ears 

To  this  most  impious  lie!     Past, — past  belief! 

O  fiend  of  love, — thy  name  be  henceforth  hate, 

For,  viperous  is  thy  breath !    Away !  away ! 
[Exit  Zorabella  in  fit  of  passion] 

[Enter  Gyges] 

Gyges.     [Pretending  to   discover  Candaules,   who  is 

weeping]     Why,  what  ails  thee? 
Candaules.  The  queen! 

Gyges.  What — quarreling  ? 

Pshaw, — wedding  bells !    When  you  are  one  year 

wed, 

You  shall  not  heed  such  trifling  things.     I  own 
Small  learning  in  the  matter,  yet  I  hear 
'Tis  but  a  sauce  for  lovers'  appetites. 


34  ZORABELLA 

Candaules.     But  this  is  pain.    Thou  canst  not  gauge 

my  grief 

As  thou  wouldst  drip  out  water.    'Tis  the  depth, — 
A  weighty  depth, — that  thou  thyself  must  feel 
If  thou  wouldst  know. 

Gyges.  Give  me  the  pulse  thereof. 

Candaules.     'Tis  jealousy.     She  fancies  me  untrue. 
Gyges.     What, — jealousy?     That's  but  a  time-worn 

tale. 
Since     earth     began     were     husbands     thereby 

thralled ; — 

But  what's  a  woman's  rage?    If  rise  it  must, 
Why  let  it  fret  and  fume  at  will.    'T  is  naught. 
'T  is  like  the  gas  that  feeds  the  miner's  flame, 
And  doth  itself  consume.    Art  thou  a  coward  lion, 
And  tremblest  at  the  lamb? 
Candaules.      [Restraining  a  smile]      Name't  not  my 

fear, 

But  name  it  love.    I  would  not  lose  her  love, 
Since  love  to  me  is  life,  and  life  is  love. 
Gyges.     Aha!      Then    that's    thy   will?     Well,    then 

there's  hope, 

And  I  shall  find  thee  smiling  yet.    Why  tak'st 
Such  flights  as  these  for  truth?     Dost  thou  yet 

know 

None  but  jealous  love?    Yea;  't  is  but  proof 
Of  their  firm  constancy.    They  are  but  drabs 
Who  are  not  so. 
Candaules.  I  do  believe  thou'rt  right, 

But    yet   there's    more.      Some    poison's    in    her 

mind, — 

She  hath  been  gossiped  to. 
Gyges.  Nay.     That's  a  task 


ZORABELLA  35 

That  none  would  dare  to  do. 
Candaules.  There  be  such  men, — 

I  am  assured. 

Gyges.  Ne'er  met  I  them. 

Candaules.  True  friend! 

I  should  be  pleased  to  plant  a  trust  in  thee. 

I'll  make  thy  pains  deserved. 
Gyges.  To  thee  fore'er 

Let  me  be  confidant! 
Candaules.  Then  help  me  solve 

What  curious  riddles  Lydia  thrusts  on  us. 

Now  first  of  all, — the  brave  Bogolsa  fell. 

The  queen  chastised, — 'twas  well.    But  then, — 
alas ! — 

How  much  unjustly  was  this  princess  judged 

That  she  did  love  him!    To  her  I  am  sworn 

To  beg  the  queen  to  reinstate  her  here. 

But,  oh!  my  just  intent  is  quite  mistook, 

And  what  a  breach  doth  strain  our  love !    O  me ! 

In  thee  alone  I  trust.     Come,  counsel  me 

What's  to  be  done, — how  may  the  adverse  limbs 

Of  this  great  kingdom's  trunk  be  knit  anew? 

Else  cracks  the  stem  unto  the  very  base, 

With  all  in  ruin  plunged. 
Gyges.  Win  her  again. 

Candaules.     Why,  there  thou  speak'st,  my  lord !    And 
that's  the  task 

Where  thou  shalt  proxy  me.    Assuage  her  wrath 

And  cure  her  jealousy;  then  what  thou  ask'st 

Is  thine.     Speak  for  my  cause,  and  when  she's 
won. 

Wind  me  to  her. 
Gyges.  I  gladly  take  the  task. 


36  ZORABELLA 

Candaules.     [Going]     I  thank  thee,  lord.    Mine  hon 
est  friend,  adieu! 

Fair  fortune  crown  thy  toil!     {Exit  Candaules} 
Gyges.  What  a  fool  were  I 

To  quench  so  soon  the  wrath  that  I  have  stirred 
But  to  my  purpose  sure!    More  gladly  not, — 
But  look,  who  comes? 

[Enter  Zulesha] 

Zulesha.  Health  be  to  thee,  my  lord! 

The  army  waits  thee  now.    But,  oh, — what's  here  ? 

[His  eye  falls  on  brooch,  left  in  anger  by  Zorabella 

and  Candaules] 
Oh,  what  a  lustrous  gem! 
Gyges.     [Meditating    and    aside]     O    thrice    blessed 

brooch, — 

Abettor  to  my  plot ! 

[With  feigned  surprise,  Gyges  lays  hand  on  Zulesha' s 
shoulder] 

Hist !    Hast  not  seen, — 

Bethink  thee  right, — this  glittering  starlight  deck 
Our  princess'  breast?    Doth  not  your  memory 
Thus  second  mine? 

Zulesha.  Why  dost  thou  ask,  my  lord  ? 

Gyges.     Lost  goods  should  be  restored.    'T  is  Hermo- 

gene's. 
Zulesha.     Dost  thou  think  so?     Dost  thou  not  think 

I  should 
Return't  to  her  ? 
Gyges.  Thy  bounden  duty  'tis. 

Zulesha.     Then  I  shall  see  it  done.     As  I  do  pass, 

I'll  throw  it  in  her  chamber  door. 
Gyges.     Yea,  do!     [Exit  Zulesha  with  brooch] 


ZORABELLA  37 

Ah!  ha!     [Chuckling  to  self]     Thus  works  my 

plot.     Mine  underling, — 
He  little  knows  the  deed  that  now  he  does, 
Nor  how  it  whets  mine  aim.    This  gorgeous  gem, 
Thus    sparkling    from    our    beauteous    princess' 

breast, 

Shall  drive  its  rays  like  knives  against  the  queen, 
Who  shall  construe  her  brooch  to  Hermogene 
Most  basely  giv'n.    And  thereto  shall  I  seek, — 
That  I  the  better  may  my  guile  increase, 
And  pour  its  rousing  potion  in  her  soul, — 
To  urge  Candaules  lead  fair  Hermogene 
To  that  great  ball  which  will  be  held  this  night. 
My  stars  are  blest !    Be  but  your  service  apt, 
O  all  ye  powers  that  on  my  working  'tend ! 
Come,  craft,  come,  night,  and  hollow  treachery, 
And  join  your  countless  legions  in  this  hour! — 
For  many  valiants  shall  your  subjects  be, 
And  weighty  is  the  task !  [Exit} 


ACT  III 
SCENE  I. — Anteroom  to  ball  room. 

[Enter  Candaules  and  Hermogena  and  Vera,  attending 
Hermogena] 

Hermogena.  [Sinking  on  chair  in  anteroom]  Nay,  I'll 

not  stay. 

I  shall  be  most  unwelcome.     I  must  go. 
To-morrow,  with  a  last  farewell,  I  leave 
Fore'er  this  Lydian  court.     To  it  adieu, — 
And  ne'er  't  will  see  me  more. 

Candaules.  Where  wilt  thou  go? 

Hermogena.    No  place, — nowhere.  I  had  much  rather, 

king, 

Cast  off  the  frail  convention  of  my  sex, — 
Henceforth  let  man's  rude  robes  frame  my  dis 
guise,— 

And,  for  a  shelter  from  the  piercing  storm, 
Take  refuge  in  the  dens  of  howling  wolves. 
And  wait  with  ease  their  piecing  of  my  limbs 
Than  dwell  uncertain  'midst  the  fierce  dislike, — 
The  envious  looks,  the  crafty,  treacherous  hand, — 
Of  such  a  fiend  as  she. 

Candaules.  O  Hermogene, 

Thou  hast  grown  faint  in  hope.    Do  as  I  bid, 
And  I  shall  wind  thee  to  thine  own.    Here  stay; 
Where  'twixt  the  jovial  board  and  festal  dance, 
38 


ZORABELLA  39 

The  queen's  proud  self,  in  wine  and  mirth  sub 
merged, 

Shall  surely  grant  thy  plea. 

Hcrmogena.  If  so  thou  thinkest, 

I'll  heed  thy  words, — I'll  make  assay, — though  I 
The  gamut  of  her  wrath  did  erstwhile  run, 
Once   more    I'll   hazard   still.     Oh,    where's   my 

brooch  ? 
[To  Vera]     My  gem  forgottest  thou?     Go  bring 

it  here. 

Vera.    I  shall,  in  haste,  madame.     [E;i'i£] 
Candqules.     [Aside]     Her  brooch,  her  gem! 

How  that  doth  mind  me  of  the  lustrous  gem, — 
Our  wedding  gift, — left  in  the  arborage ! 
O  thou  bright  jewel  of   our  tarnished  love. 
Art  thou  not  metaled  too  ?    Dost  lie  there  still  ? 
Art  fainter  than  the  sun-glint  on  the  palms 
That  do  surround  the  grove?    Should  she  repent, 
Then  canst  thou  cast  thy  brilliance  once  again, 
And  thus  give  solace  to  our  leaden  loves. 
But  oh !  should  this  dull  maiden  find  thee  there, 
And,  thinking  thee  her  mistress'  gaudy  gem, 
Bring  thee  to  Hermogene, — alack  the  thought ! — 
How  might  I  cure  that  jealousy! 
[Candaules  enters  ball  room,  where  guests  are  gath 
ering,  leaving  Hermogena  awaiting  Vera] 

[Re-enter  Vera} 

Hermogena.     Ah !  there !    Thy  promptness  doth  com 
mend  thee  well. 

Vera.  But,  madam,  hold! 

Hermogena.     What  sayst?     What  hast  thou  there? 


40  ZORABELLA 

Vera.     [In  fear}      A   brooch, — but   't   is   not   thine. 

Thine  was  misplaced. 

Within  thy  window's  casement  lay  this  gem, — 
So  luckily  it  seemed, — so  short  the  time, — 
That  it  did  tempt  me  fetch  it. 
Hermogena.      [Taking  gem,  then  returning  it]     Idle 

maid, 
Go,  seek  for —     [Meditating]     No,  give't  here. 

The  time's  too  short 

To  spend  in  dallying  so.    I  must  within. 
Come  here!     [Hermogena  makes  sign  for  maid 

to  pin  the  brooch  on  her]  [Aside]  Now  swells 

the  music  in  mine  ears ; 
Yet  its  light  quavers  cannot  ease  my  heart. 
Oh,  must  I  go, — untitled  and  unbidd'n, — 
A  hated  vagrant  'midst  a  festive  throng? 

[Re-enter  Candaules] 

Candaules.    Alas !    Art  sorrowing  ?    Come  now,  have 

cheer, 

Waste  not  the  jovial  springtime  of  thy  days 
With  dull  complaint.    Tears  are  for  wintry  age, 
Whose  hoary  locks  seek  death.     Thy  fairy  feet, 
Most  proud  to  bear  the  beauty  of  thy  youth, 
Trip  not  the  tuneful  numbers  of  the  waltz 
Unless  thy  heart  be  light.    Let's  don  our  masks 
And  lightly  step  the  tune. 


ZORABELLA  41 

SCENE  II 

Ball  room  of  palace:  Lords  and  ladies,  disguised  in 
masks,  are  dancing.  Music  playing.  Part 
ners  are  selected  by  chance  except  for  Gyges, 
who  meets  Zorabella  by  prearrangement. 

Gyges.     [To  queen]     Thou  art  the  queen: 

This  cue  we  fixed  upon  doth  me  instruct, 
[Pointing  to  red  rose  in  Zorabella 's  hair] 

As  here  to  thee  I  make  my  boldness  known. 

Now  let  us  to  the  watch.    Be  wary  now, 

And  we  shall  sound  the  truth.     Thou  hast  sur 
mised 

That  she  would  'be  this  evening's  guest.    'Tis  true. 

Yea,  now  she's  come, — if  I  her  voice  do  know, — 

But  in  what  mask  her  brazen  face  is  guised, 

I  know  not,  queen. 

Zorabella.  Oh,  find  her  out! 

Gyges.  But  hold! 

I  may  but  err.    Two  persons  oft  possess 

A  close-resembling  voice — 

Zorabella.  No  more !    She's  here. 

I'll  be  revenged.    I  will !     [Pointing  to  one  of  the 
dancers]     Oh,  is  that  she? 

How  with  my  nails  I'd  claw  her  waxen  face, — 

Haul  out  those  dazzling  beacons  from  her  brow ! 

Oh,  for  revenge! 
Gyges.  Beware.    Thou'rt  not  yet  sure 

Until  thy  brooch  gleams  from  her  breast.     Look 
keen, 

And  shouldst  thou  see  her  flaunt  its  sparkling  rays, 

Then  know  the  wearer's  she. 


42  ZORABELLA 

Zorabella.  But  all  are  masked. 

Gyges.     Then  she  shall  proudly  bear  it  to  thy  view 

From  out  her  gown's  silk  folds, — a  diadem 

To  vaunt  the  triumph  of  his  love.    No  ruse 

That  plotting  lovers  will  not  juggle  with 

Unto  their  end. 
Zorabella.     Thou'rt  right.     Yea,  thou  know'st  all, 

Thou  hast  my  deepest  trust. 

Gyges.  Then  bide  thy  time. 

Zorabella.     I  should  not  then,  if  I  were  so  resolved 

As  thou  art  now.    But  I  will  penance  bear 

If  thou  think'st  best. 
Gyges.  I  know  whereof  I  speak. 

Come,  come;  't  is  waltzing  time,  and  we  must  be 

More  nimble  with  our  feet  than  with  our  tongues, 

That  our  espial  be  not  known. 

[Gyges  and  Zorabella  join  dancers] 

[Music,  to  which  singers  sing  the  words] 

Bid  care  take  wings,  and  flee  away, — 
Give  to  glad  joy  the  fullest  sway; 
With  flying  feet,  let's  beat  the  time 
To  music  sweet  that  hearts  doth  bind. 

Cho.     Forever  and  forever, — 

With  flying  feet  let's  beat  the  time 

To  music  sweet  that  hearts  doth  bind, — 

Forever  and  forever. 

Come  now,  each  lord  and  lady  fair, 
Ask  not  of  each  what  prize  ye  bear; 
But  trip  the  waltz  with  gladsome  heart 
And  tune  your  minds  to  friendship's  art. 

Cho.    Forever  and  forever, — 

So  trip  the  waltz,  with  gladsome  heart, 
And   tune  your  minds  to   friendship's  art, — 
Forever  and  forever. 


ZORABELLA  43 

Master  of  Ceremonies.  Ho !  ho ! 

Attend  my  words,  that  ye  may  straightway  hear 
On  whom  the  trophy  falls.     This  couple  here 

[Designating  Candaules  and  Herniogena,  who  are  still 

masked] 

Have  drawn  the  judges'  verdict  to  their  skill 
In  mask  and  dance.    To  them  be  due  these  gifts, 

[Large  golden  plates  are  shown] 
The  noblest  works  of  zealous  artisans, 
Who  in  rare  metals  toil.     So,  gentles  all, 
Dismiss  yourselves  awhile ;  lay  your  masks  by, 
That  openly  we  may  the  prizes  give, 
For  what,  concealed,  they  skillfully  have  done. 

[Exeunt  all.      Returning  one  by  one,  unmasked] 

First  Lord.     Who  can  it  be?    What  think'st? 
Second  Lord.  'T  is  like  the  king. 

It  was  his  height. 

Third  Lord.  Nay,  nay ;  he's  taller  far. 

Second  Lord.     I  say,  it  is. 

First  Lord.  Then  what  fair  dame? 

Third  Lord.  Behold! 

They  come.    I  shall  be  sworn!    It  is  the  king! 
Gyges.     [Loudly]     And  Hermogene! 
[Aside  to  Zorabella] 
What  say'st  thou  now,  my  queen? 

Was  not  prediction  true? 
Zorabella.  Oh,  sick  am  I ! 

I'm  stricken  sore.    Alas,  faint  is  my  heart ! 

I  am  undone ! 

Gyges.  List  now. 

Master  of  Ceremonies.     This  prize  thou'st  won, 

O  king,  for  thy  famed  Terpsichorean  skill, 


44  ZORABELLA 

As  well  as  noble  sway.    And  as  for  thee, 
Thou  beauteous  princess  of  fair  Lydia's  realm, 
This  gift  be  thine. 

[Giving  Candaules  a  plate  of  gold  and  one  to  Hermo- 
gena.  As  Hermogena  bends  to  receive  the 
plate,  the  folds  of  her  garment  are  dropped 
aside  and  the  brooch  of  Zorabella  is  ex 
hibited] 

Zorabella.  [Rising  in  anger  from  her  seat]  High 
heaven,  succor  me ! 

[Turning  to  king] 

Is  this  thy  triumph,  king?     Outraged  am  I! 
Yea,  vended,  bartered,  sold !    Dost  call  me  queen  ? 
Oh,  take  from  me  all  titles  and  all  sway, 
If  I  have  lost  thy  love !    Yea,  to  be  queen ! 
Be  nothing  now.    I'd  trust  in  Lucifer, 
If  that  bright  gem  that  sparkles  on  her  breast 
Speak  not  the  proof  of  her  most  occult  guilt 
And  thy  foul  lechery!     Oh,  ill  am  I, — 
Oh,  faint ! 

[To  courtiers] 

Out  with  the  lights,  I  say !    Away ! 
Out  with  the  lights.    Away!    Away! 
[Stage  is  darkened,  and  after  a  few  moments  relighted, 
showing  only  Zorabella  and  Gyges  in  ani 
mated  conversation] 
Zorabella.  Well,  well, 

What  sayst  thou  now?    Was't  wise? 
Gyges.  That  thou  shouldst  know 

Sans  mine  advice.    Howe'er,  I  trow,  my  queen, 
Thou  shouldst  have  stemmed  thy  rage. 
Zorabella.  My  rage !    What  harm  ? 


ZORABELLA  45 

Yea,   by  this   sceptre,   since  thou  broached   the 

words, 

I  bid  thee  speak ! 

Gyges.  Would  thou  hadst  seen  thyself! 

Thou  wouldst  be  bold  and  firm  in  thy  resolve 
Ne'er  to  offend  again. 

Zorabella.  What  dost  thou  mean? 

Gyges.     Thou  seest  one's  rage  is  like  the  streamlet's 

flood, 

That  rises  to  a  crest, — would  o'erleap  all, 
Would  break  all  boundaries  in  its  wild  escape, — 
Yet  when  the  crucial  time  so  soon  is  past 
And  one  would  look  for  those  confines  again, 
That  were  the  pride  and  glory  of  the  stream, 
They  are  not  there ;  and  in  their  place  lies  ruin : — 
Huge  upturned  roots,  and  rocks  from  foundments 

torn 

Stand  ugly,  gaping  and  exposed,  alas! — 
For,  with  a  little  mildness  and  less  haste, 
How  much  more  gently  would  the  waters  glide, 
How  much  more  meetly  would  the  stream  have 

passed ! 
Zorabella.    Thou  twitt'st  my  rage.  But  to  the  purpose 

speak. 
Gyges.     Thou'st  wrecked  our  plans.    What  thou  hast 

bade  me  do, 

Hast  thou  undone.     Didst  not  importune  me 
To  give  thee  proof  ?    Did  I  not  lead  thee  where 
They  parleyed  in  the  swaying  arborage, 
Of  listening  ears  un'ware?    Did  I  not  guide 
Thine  own  fair  judging  eyes  unto  her  breast, 
Where  shown  the  brooch  by  his  false  hands  trans 
posed  ? 


46  ZORABELLA 

Then  didst  thou  not,  mistaking  this  for  proof, 
In  wrath  all  Lydia's  festal  torches  quell? 

Zorabella.     I  did  indeed. 

Gyges.  Ah !  there  thou  didst  o'erleap. 

Hadst  thou  but  left  them  to  their  full  intent 
Upon  a  night  of  such  convivial  joys, — 
What  might  they  not  have  done? 

Zorabella.  Thou  teachest  me 

To  call  my  wrath  my  fool.    Yea,  I  did  err. 

Gyges.     Thou   didst  indeed.     For  thus  we  have   no 

proof. 

Why,  might  their  actions  not  be  courtesy, — 
Or  might  they  not  be  accident  ?    Chance  not 
On  weighty  matters  such  as  this,  I  pray; 
Then  know  thou,  too,  that  countless  innocents, — 
Whose    hearts    are    purer    than    the    air    they 

breathe, — 

.Beneath  the  jaws  of  scandal's  vice  are  crushed, 
By  most  foul  circumstances  misjudged.    There  is 
Such  thing  as  chance  which  oft  to  guiltless  souls 
A  false  attaint  doth  lay. 

Zorabella.  Ha!     Think'st  thou  that? 

Gyges.     W'hy  should  I  not?    Must  I  not  needs  be  fair? 

As  yet  he  is  not  innocent,  nor  e'en 

Is  he  acknowledged  false — 
Zorabella.  Thou  cloak'st  thy  thought. 

Thou  hast  some  purpose  in't. 
Gyges.  By  heav'n,  I  swear 

I  do  not,  queen  !    List  now.    Hath  he  confessed  ? 

Have  they  been  found  by  us  so  trafficking 

In  evil  deeds  that  bear  such  certain  proof 

That  all  might  ridicule  imaginings  ? 


ZORABELLA  47 

Zorabella.     W'hy,  no,  not  yet.     But  that's  the  task  in 

which 
Thou  wert  with  me  enleagued. 

Gyges.  Hope  withers  now, — 

Our  proof   is  blight.     There  are   things   else   I 

know, — 

But  lo,  a  weak  and  ravenous  gull  thou'dst  be 
To  lend  thy  credence  to  the  words  I'd  speak, 
Wherein  thine  eyes  did  fail  to  see. 

Zorabella.  Doubt  I 

What  to  mine  ears  thou  breathest  now?     Oh, 

speak, — 
If   aught   thou   know'st.     Oh,   let   me   claw   thy 

brains, 

That  I  might  pick  the  shredding  of  thy  mind! 
Unto  the  least  accounting  of  thy  thoughts 
Let  me  be  secretary.    Here  bow  I  down, — 
Lo,  what  a  lordly  sovereign  thou  art  now, 
Ensceptered  with  my  soul's  deep  mystery ! 

Gyges.     [Aside]     And  yea,  would  I  were  sovereign 
o'er  thy  heart! 

Let  time  proclaim  thee  that,  while  self-restraint 

Compels  my  silence  now.     My  hatchment  works. 

[Aloud]  What  wouldst  thou  have  me  say? — that 
he  is  false? 

And  when  thou  askest  proof,  then  cry  to  me : 

"Base  imp  of  perjury!" 
Zorabella.  Far  be't  from  that. 

If  thou  but  wilt,  thou  canst  go  further  on; 

We'll  spy  again. 

Gyges.  Therein  I  must  say  nay. 

Thy  fault's  not  mine.     Why  need  one  double  do 


48  ZORABELLA 

What  he  once  well  hath  done?    I'm  but  half  sure 
That  these  our  over-bold  conjecturings 
Would  in  the  fact  have  e'er  proved  true.    And  yet, 
I'd  leave  the  matter  now.     He  is  my  friend, — 
Leave  me  to  grant  him  'vantage  of  the  doubt ; 
And,  with  thy  leave  to  speak  mine  honest  heart, — 
Since  there's  no  proof  of  but  suspected  sin, — 
I  loathe  to  think  him  false. 
Zorabella.  Base  renegade ! 

Dost  play  the  crab?    Renounce?    Hast  thou  not 

breathed 

The  fire  of  envy  in  my  restless  soul? 
Have  I  not  risked  my  virtue  at  thy  feet 
To  beg  thee  delve  the  truth?     Now,  dost  thou 

speak 

Of  fallacy?     By  heavens,  it  cannot  be 
That  thou'rt  indeed  the  liar  of  all  men, 
And  chaste  as  Cupid's  bow  is  he  ?    List  now : 
If  thou  hast  trifled  with  my  husband's  love, 
Thou'dst  better  be  a  soul  fore'er  condemned 
To  bear  the  twinging  torment  of  hell  fires 
Than  rue  it  'neath  the  torture  of  the  rack 
That  I  shall  put  thee  to.    Prove  these  thy  words, 
Or  count  thy  life  as  naught. 

Gyges.  Ah,  there  thou  art, 

Cleft  on  the  rocks  of  doubt  and  surety! 
Yet  fail  thou  not  to  see  my  rigorous  task 
And  what  a  crime  it  is  to  false  a  friend. 
You  know  I  loved  the  king.     Mere  loyalty, — 
And   ne'er   a   thought   of   hate,   nor   greed,   nor 

gain,— 

Bade  me  to  ope  my  mouth  in  trust  to  thee. 
But  oh,  how  few  would  bear  a  single  tale, 


ZORABELLA  49 

If  idle  gossip  charged  such  loads  as  this! 

Zorabella.     Go  on.     I'll  wait  no  prefacing,  since  thou 
Art  set  to  speak. 

Gyges.  Oft  have  I  heard  him  say 

That  he  did  love  her. 

Zorabella.     Love  her?    Ha! 

Gyges.  But  more: 

The  ties  of  wedlock  deemed  he  heartsick  bonds, — 
Yea,  clogs  on  liberty  and  man's  free  will, — 
Which  lightly  formed,  should  easily  be  broke. 
The  soul's  caprice,  taught  he,  is  man's  true  goal, 
And  that  should  guide  his  love. 

Zorabella.  Oh,  said  he  that  ? 

Yea,  'tis  his  brutish  thought.     What  else  of  her? 

Gyges.     Ofttimes    would   he    commend   her   eyes    or 

hair, 

And  sing  sad  lays  that  mourned  unhappy  love; 
Then,  when  his  soul  was  rapt  in  lighter  mood, 
Would  he  declare  were  he  again  to  wive 
His  heart's  first  drawing  would  be  she. 

Zorabella.  Oh,  woe ! 

O  painted  devil !    O  base,  ungrateful  brute ! 
Cloyed  now  with  this  my  stale  and  timeworn  love, 
Doth  he  abandon  me !     But  one  thing  more : 
Did  he  e'er  breathe  a  word  of  wrong  with  her? 

Gyges.      He   did,    my   queen,   but   guarded    was    his 

tongue 

And  double  was  his  speech.    Of  course,  when  I 
Did  gossip  on  his  side,  he  grew  more  bold, 
But  all  the  while  did  blanket  so  his  thoughts, — 
With  clouds  of  broad  assertion  and  denial 
So  shrewdly  shift  in  everywise, — that  I 
Could  get  no  logic  from  his  speech. 


50  ZORABELLA 

Zorabella.  Enough ! 

Now,  by  the  heavens,  I  swear  my  lord  is  false! 

So  oft  he  toyed  to  sweat  mine  innocence, 

Then,  fearing  lest  mine  anger  should  arise, 

Would  he  his  words  unsay. 
Gyges.  Ah,  there,  my  queen, 

Did  he  unto  his  rank,  foul  nature  give 

The  surest,  sternest  sign. 
Zorabella.  I  do  believe! 

Ye  gods  above !    O  ye  avenging  powers ! 

Hurl  down  your  thunders  now.    O  Cupid,  thou'rt 
fall'n 

From  heaven  to  hell.    No  more  in  pomp  dost  thou 

Earth's  blissful  souls  in  hallowed  bonds  conjoin, 

But  stoop'st  to  shame  and  basest  procury ! 

I'd  be  revenged.     But  yet, — ye  gods  above! — 

Keep  murder  farthest  from  mine  anguished  soul 

That  I  may  woo  it  not ! 
Gyges.  Thou  shouldst  be  free 

From  such  foul  bonds  of  love. 
Zorabella.  I  shall  be  free, — 

I  should  be  free, — yet  anything  but  that, — 

Yea,  anything ;  I  would  not  slay  my  lord. 
[Exit  Zorabella} 

[Re-enter  Candaules} 

Candaules.     [  To  Gyges,  who  is  putting  out  the  lights] 

Who's  there  ? 

Gyges.  Thine  officer,  my  liege ! 

Candaules.  The  queen, — 

Is  she  abed? 
Gyges.  Not  yet,  my  liege,  nor  will, 


ZORABELLA  51 

If  I  do  read  her  mind.    She'll  not  be  urged. 
Candaules.     What  sayst,   my   lord?     Hast   thou   yet 

talked  with  her? 

Gyges.     She  hath  just  now  gone  hence. 
Candaules.  Hast  thou  done  naught  ? 

Gyges.    Nothing,  my  lord.    But  't  is  no  fault  of  mine. 

Think  not  that  I  have  been  undiligent. 

Would  that  success  were  measured  by  my  toil, 

Then  wouldst  thou  know ! 
Candaules.  I  blame  thee  not,  my  lord. 

I  know  the  task.    But  tell, — how  answered  she, 

And  in  what  mood? 

Gyges.  She  would  say  naught,  my  liege. 

Caudaules.     She  nothing  said?    By  Zeus,  I'll  see  her 
then. 

I'll  know  the  truth.    I'll  solve  her  mystery? 
Gyges.     But  hold!  my  liege,  wouldst  thou  heap  coals 
on  fire, — 

Add  oil  to  flame  ?    She  will  not  heed  thee  now, 

I  am  assured.     Deep  ills  must  run  their  time 

Ere  they  subside.    Then  when  the  hour  is  come 

Do  on  my  promptest  interpleading  count. 
Candaules.     O  noble  friend,  I  trust  in  thine  advice. 

Thou  art  mine  all  in  all  dependency. 

Good  luck  to  thee,  thou  wooer  of  my  queen, 

But  for  her  husband's  sake.    O  woe  is -me! 

Full  sorrows  doth  the  lap  of  nature  hold, 

And  never  do  they  seem  to  empty  quite. 

Could  I  be  steeled  thereto !    But  kings  are  men, — 

Have  human  ills.     From  her  I  shall  refrain ; 

To  mine  own  bed  retire.     [E;nY] 
Gyges.     [Aside]     Thou'rt  safest  there. 

Yet  restless  be  thy  proud  uncertain  head, — 


52  ZORABELLA 

Thou'rt  marked  for  death.     E'en  art  thou  'dan- 

gered  there, 

If  this  my  plot  work  true.    To-night,  I  hear, 
A  secret  conference  of  the  lords  is  called 
Whereunto  he,  the  king,  alone  is  bidd'n. 
I  doubt  not  but  that  on  Bogolsa's  fate 
They  will  debate,  since  his  desired  release 
Will  seem  to  right  the  rupture  in  the  realm, 
By  his  most  late  ill-starred  rebellion  rent. 
But,  lo !  that  must  not  be.    He  must  not  live 
To  breathe  of  how  I  did  enlist  his  heart 
In  that  ill-fated  cause;  and  he  must  die 
That  I  may  to  the  queen's  rash  judgment  prove 
The  king  him  slew  for  Hermogena's  love. 
Thus  I  shall  go,  armed  with  most  weighty  proof 
That  Lydia  keep  from  traitors'  lives  aloof. 
[Exit} 


ACT  IV 

SCENE  I 

Conference  room   of  the  palace;  Candaules,  Moroz, 
Gyges,  and  lords  in  session. 

Candaules.     Speak    out !      Tell    me    what    is    your 

pleasure,  lords, 

In  brave  Bogolsa's  fate?    For  mine  own  part, 
I    think    'twould    please    our    dark    foreboding 

queen, — 

Where  I  for  love  would  in  all  things  else  yield, — 
To  speak  for  his  release. 

Moroz.  And  I,  my  liege; 

For  that  would  down  her  envious  jealousy, 
Which  bodes  for  thee  and  Lydia's  sceptre  harm. 
If  thou  shouldst  pardon  him,  thou  pleasest  her, 
And  this  alike  shall  gladden  Hermogena, 
Whose   meek-borne   wrongs   have   zealous   hosts 

upraised, 

To    rally    'round    her    cause.      Thy    task    it    is 
To  solve  this  riddle, — rivet  up  the  breach, — 
Which  doth  o'er  all  our  realm  huge  terror  tend. 

Candaules.     True,  when  thou  lift'st  the  scales'  most 

heavy  weight 

On  but  one  side,  down  goes  the  opposite  ; 
Thus,  lift  the  load  that  weighs  her  brother's  life, 
And  down  shall  fly  her  galling  jealousy. 

Moroz.     This  is  most  meet. 

53 


54  ZORABELLA 

Gyges.  I  beg  thy  pardon,  king ; 

But  this  'bold  lord  hath  not  consistency. 
Erstwhile  did  he  with  treason  charge  my  soul, 
And  justice  asked  upon't.     Be  witness  here, — 
Though  he  ne'er  proved  an  item  of  his  charge, 
Yet  he  did  name't  a  crime  most  terrible. 
Now  doth  he  ask  a  traitor's  rash  release, — 
One  in  delicto,  tried,  adjudged,  condemned, — 
That  may  be  well  for  those  of  kith  and  kin 
Whose  pity  might  our  kingdom's  law  o'erride; 
Yet  for  this  blusterer  't  is  most  unmeet 
To  send  the  guiltless  headless  from  the  block, 
But  felons  thus  convict  would  liberate. 
What  think'st  thou  on't  ? 

Moroz.  If  thou  art  then  so  bold, 

Know  this :  my  charges  are  not  yet  disproved. 

Gyges.      What,  swaggerer,  call'st  thou  me  traitor  yet? 

Moroz.  Call't  whatsoe'er  thou  wilt,  for  aught  I  care. 
'Tis  plain.  Where  favor  court'sies  to  the  cause, 
Conviction  ever  stands  aloof.  Dost  see? 

Gyges.     By  all  the  gods  of  Lydia,  thou  li'st,  . 

And  this  mine  arm  shall  prove't!     [Drawing} 

Moroz.  I  stand  prepared. 

I  court  this  test  of  arms.    'Twill  prove  my  words, 
Since  Pallas'  sword  be  bent. 

Candaules.     [Raising  sceptre}     Come,  cavil  not ! 
Do  ye  not  fear  we  might  arouse  the  queen  ? 
Forbear,  forbear,  my  lords !    What  might  she  say 
If  such  most  heath 'nish  brawl  as  this  cried  out 
Our  harmless  secrecy  ?     Forbear !     I  say. 

Moroz.     I  ask  one  stroke, — but  one! 

Gyges.  I'll  answer  thee ! 

Candaules.     Hold,  hold !     Help !     Help !    Ye  guards ! 


ZORABELLA  55 

[Fight  between  Moroz  and  Gyges  is  stopped  by  guards, 
who  rush  in] 

I  thank  you,  sirs. 

Let  there  be  peace!    And  without  more  ado 
This  matter  to  election  I  will  put : 
The  greater  count  shall  win. 
Gyges.  I  see  defeat 

'Midst  these  'fore  whom  I  have  been  slandered  so, 
But  thine's  the  pleasure,  king.     I'll  bite  my  teeth 
Till  I  have  evened  with  this  scurvy  lord, 
Who  hath  mine  honor  questioned. 
Moroz.  Thou   hast   none. 

Candaules.     Nay,  peace!     I  cry  thee,  lords!     Speak 

not,  I  say, 

Lest  each  response  should  stir  new  enmity. 
I  would  please  all, — I  would  I  could, — but  since 
There  is  no  hope,  the  poll  hath  privilege 
To  say  us  "yea,"  or  "nay." 

[To  one  of  lords-in-waiting] 

The  ballots  bring. 

Let  us  have  peace, — of  this  rude  strife  no  more. 
Too  much  its  horrid  head  contention  shakes 
O'er  this  our  realm,  and  frights  the  dove  of  peace, 
That  she  no  more  with  us  would  bide. 

[Ballots  are  distributed,  on  which  each  writes  and  de 
posits  in  urn] 

What  now  ? 

Have  ye  all  cast?    Then  speak,  O  sacred  urn, 
Your  silent  will. 

[To  lord-in-waiting] 

What  counsel  doth  it  give  ? 

Lord.     [Reading]     "Aye,  aye,  aye,  aye,  aye,  aye," — 


56  ZORABELLA 

full  twenty  ayes, 
And  but  one  nay. 

Candaules.     [Joyfully]     Then  be  Bogolsa  free! 
Gyges.     [Scornfully  to  Moroz]     Ne'er  dart  thine  eyes 

at  me.     I  did  not  cast — 
Moroz.     Indeed!     I  saw  thy  hand. 
Gyges.  What  if  thou  didst? 

Moroz.     It  proves  thy  treachery.    Him  thou'dst  con 
demn, 

Though  thou  through  his  ascent  didst  plant  thy 
hope 

To  cap  thyself  with  Lydia's  crown.    Ne'er  fear. 

I'll  prove  my  challenge  yet. 
Gyges.  A  lie!     A  lie! 

Candaules.     Peace, — peace!     Although  I  cannot  take 
your  tongues, 

I  can  cut  off  your  lives.    List  now  to  me ! 

The  lord  who  breathes  that  hateful  word  again, 

Though't  be  he  were  my  very  heart  of  hearts, 

Or  clung  to  me  in  ties  of  birth  and  blood, 

By  Jove,  I  swear  he  dies !     [Raising  sceptre] 
Moroz.  'My  gracious  liege, — 

Gyges.     I'll  rest. 
Candaules.     How  meet  it  is !     Ye  should  take  hands, 

Yet  I'll  not  ask  you  to.    That's  to  your  choice, — 

'Tis  each  man's  right  to  have  what  friends  he 
will 

And  aliens  to  cast  off.     Now  to  th'  affair. 

Hand  me  that  writ.     Oh,  that  this  hand  might 
cure 

Our  queen's  deep  jealousy!     [Writing} 
Moroz.  Such  is  our  hope, 


ZORABELLA  57 

My  gracious  majesty. 

Candaules.  Go,  Gyges,  go, 

And  set  Bogolsa  free!    Come  one,  come  all! 
Let's  to  our  pillows, — drown  this  day's  sad  deeds 
In  adamantine  slumber.     To-morrow  smiles 
The  queen.    We've  bowed  us  to  h'er  stubborn  will 
And  stamped  approval  on  her  deep'st  desire. 
Good-night ! 

Lords.     Good  night,  our  most  kind  Majesty! 
[Exeunt  all  but  Gyges,  who  lingers,  scrutinizing  writ] 
Gyges.     O  ye  infernal  gods!    Thus  am  I  thwart, 

Blocked,  barred,  and  obstacled!     Mine  own  foul 

plot 

Hath  through  a  miry  channel  quicked  itself 
And  choked  in  its  own  slime !     O  treachery ! 
Thou  art  out-distanced  now !     But  hold !     Let's 

see, — 
Let's    see,    let's    see ! — What    if   this    writ    were 

changed  ? 
'T  were  but  a  simple  task! 

[Extinguishes  all  lights  but  candle] 

Out  there,  ye  lights ! 

I  '11  add  a  "not"  to  the  "released"  and  here 
'T  is  "execute  for  treason  'gainst  the  realm." 
Ah!  ha!    'T  is  done.    Ah  me!    What  miracle! 
This  changed  writ  doth  speak  thy  sure-set  doom, 
O  charming,  amorous  prince!     If  I  were  not 
In  trapping  for  the  queen  too  deep  engaged, 
Then  might  I  set  my  snare  for  thy  betrothed, 
Whose  spotless  beauty  I'd  prefer.    Thou'rt  freed! 
But  death's  the  guardsman  that  shall  let  thee  pass 
To  thine  eternal  liberty.    All's  well. 


58  ZORABELLA 

Would  that  kind  fortune  soon  vouchsafe  to  me 
The  rights  I  now  usurp !    This  forgery 
Already  crowns  me  king.     My  headsmen  true, — 
Well  skilled  by  practice  in  their  sorry  tasks, — 
Now  murder  without  qualm.     I'll  call  them  here 
This  warrant  to  receive.     It  shall  explain 
This  night's  dark  deeds  to  our  confiding  queen, 
When  then  the  drowsy  earth  to  deeds  shall  rouse 
With  her  dread  clamors  for  revenge,  O  ho! 
Ho !  here,  Morashna !  here  Zulesha !     Here ! 
[Enter  Morashna  and  Zulesha] 

Morashna  and  Zulesha.     Here  are  we  at  thy  ser 
vice,  noble  lord. 

Gyges.     Now  straightway  serve  this  writ.    Then  haste 

ye  here 
When  its  command  be  done. 

Morashna.  We  shall,  my  lord, 

With  all  due  promptness. 

Gyges.  Hold !     One  thing  besides, — 

Morashna.     What,  sir? 

Gyges.  Should  ye  be  asked  who  gave  it  you, 

Remember,  't  was  the  king.    Ye  see  his  hand 
Affixed  thereto?    Enough.    Naught  do  I  know. 
Is  that  not  plain? 

Morashna.     [Understandingly]     Most    plain    indeed, 
my  lord. 

Gyges.     Then  be  ye  off! 

[Morashna  and  Zulesha,  going] 

Zulesha.     [Muttering]     This  business   I   love  not, — 
These  secret  executions. 

Morashna.  That  is  naught. 

We  need  have  but  esteem  for  his  employ; 
Besides,  our  heads  do  stand  between. 


ZORABELLA  59 

Gyges.     [Looking  after  them]     Not  gone? 

Be  nimbler,  sirs.    Think  of  the  great  reward 
That  shall  be  yours.    In  tears  this  brat  shall  plead 
With  words  of  such  compelling  strength,  and  give 
Such  cogent  proofs  whereby  no  man  should  die 
Till  senile  nature  lops  him  off,  that  ye 
May  feel  your  hearts  to  sink,  but  heed  it  not : 
Conditions  make  us  wield  our  daggers  keen 
Not  as  we  would,  but  as  we  must. 

Morashna.  Fear't  not. 

[Exeunt  Morashna  and  Zulesha] 
Gyges.     My  plot  works  well.    Soon  shall  our  mistress 

know 

The  king  hath  writ  against  her  brother's  life : 
This  be  the  chord  I  shall  her  heart  attune 
To  dreader  dirges  than  the  groans  of  him 
Who  guards  the  gates  of  hell.    To  her  I'll  go, 
And  bear  the  message.     [Starts  to  go,  but  is  un 
expectedly  met  by  Zorabella,  who  has  been 
aroused  by  the  previous  quarrel] 


Ah !     How  now,  my  queen  ? 
Zorabella.     My  lord !     Where  went  the  king  ?     His 

voice  I  heard, — 

Or  thought  I  heard  it  ring  as  if  to  still 
A  bloody  fray.    Tell  me, — what  bloodshed's  here? 
Or  was  it  but  a  lusty  nightmare's  call, 
That  waked  me  from  my  slumbering?     Know'st 

aught  ? 

Gyges.    They  held  a  council  here :  them  I  opposed 
And  all  the  machinations  of  their  crew. 


60  ZORABELLA 

Then  came  harsh  words  to  swords,  and  when  thy 

lord 

Saw  I  would  triumph  o'er  mine  armed  foes, — 
Who,  as  thou  know'st,  are  his  proud  favorites, — 
Then  cried  he,  "Peace !"  His  harsh  command  thus 

giv'n, 
Naught  favored  me,  but  spared  their  lives.    'Twas 

that, 

0  queen,  thou  heard'st  and  naught  beside.    Thou 

see'st, 

1  was  constrained  to  stave  my  bloodless  sword 
Back  in  its  sheath  again  without  a  thrust. 

Zorabella.     Thou    didst    not    strike?      What    shame! 

But  tell  me  now; 
What  deep  laid  plot?     What  butt, — what  end, — 

what  aim? 
'Gainst  whom? 

Gyges.  'Gainst  thee! 

Zorabella.  Ne'er  hath  he  dared  ere  this 

T'usurp  my  power.     How  moves  he  'gainst  me 
now? 

[Re-enter  Morashna  and  Zulesha  from  execution  of 
Bogolsa,  carrying  blood-stained  writ] 

Gyges.     Here  come  mine  officers,  who,  I  surmise, 
His  most  foul  will  were  bade  to  execute, 
Me  basely  superseding.     Hear  their  deeds. 
Their  message  shall  spare  speech. 
Zorabella.     [To  Morashna  and  Zulesha]     Oh,  speak 

thereof ! 

Morashna.     [Handing  writ  to  Zorabella]     Here  is  the 
writ  the  king  did  bid  us  serve, — 


ZORABELLA  61 

A  labor  done  in  fear  that  were't  not  done 
The  self -same  labor  might  on  us  be  wrought 
To  our  discomfiture.    I  do  confess, 
My  noble  queen,  a  weakness  in  my  soul 
To  cling  to  life  as  long  as  life  be  spared. 
And  that's  wherefore  I  did  this  mission  do, — 
Not  that  I  wished  it,  nay ;  mine  eyes  did  squint 
To  see  his  speech-stilled  palate  quiver  so 
As't  bid  his  headless  body's  breath  adieu. 
Zorabella.     Oh,  let  me  see! 

[Snatching  writ  from  his  hand] 

Gyges.     [Pretending    to    read]      Look    there !      'Tis 

stained  with  blood! 
So  I  had  thought. 

Zorabella.  Alas !    My  brother's  slain ! 

Alas !    My  poor  unhappy  kin ! 
[Looks  angrily  at  Morashna  and  Zulesha] 

And  did  ye  that, 
Base  hounds  of  Lydia  ? 

[Raising  sword  to  strike  them] 

Gyges.  Hold  thy  sword,  my  queen. 

Their  duty  is  our  lordships  but  to  serve. 
They  have  no  power  to  stretch  or  mince  the  thing. 
If  thou  dost  doubt,  but  scan  the  writ  thyself 
And  see  thy  brute  lord's  name  affixed  thereto. 

Zorabella.     [Reading]     O   all   ye   heavenly   powers! 

Alas !    Alas ! 

O  blameless  youth!    O  lovely  wayward  boy! 
O  had  I  freed  thee!     But  thou  didst  obstruct 
My  lecherous  sovereign's  amorous  desires ! 
And  must  thou  thus  be  quarried  here,  my  boy, 
As  one  who  is  the  realm's  most  dungeoned  slave? 


62  ZORABELLA 

Ye  gods,  grant  me  the  strength  of  murderous  man, 
That  I  may  combat  him.  Unsex  me  now. 
Unsex  the  world  that  woman's  strong  mailed  arm 
May  buckle  swords  with  man.  Oh,  scoff  no  more, 
Ye  who  have  scorned  her  strength.  Let  me  re 
solve  ! 

Yea,  Clytemnestra  played  a  manly  part, 
To  slay  her  guilty  spouse! 

Gyges.  Resolve  thee  now ! 

'Tis  that  which  thee  to  thine  own  ruin  wills, — 
Like  him,  who  now  hath  thus  been  juggled  off, — 
Or  rescues  thee  from  ill. 

Zorabella.  Oh,  must  I  slay? 

High  Jove,  look  down  from  heaven  and  answer 

me 

How  to  appease  a  woman's  aching  heart 
And  yet  not  stoop  to  crime.     Impossible! 
Then  be  my  purpose  fell  and  sure  as  death, 
That  not  the  all-hereafter  hand  of  time 
May  rue  the  fateful  day  that  made  me  forge 
The  bond  to  this  my  vow ! 

Gyges.  Lov'st  thou  not  life 

As  much  as  these  thy  servants  do?    And  then 
Wouldst  thou,  mute,  plant  thy  helmet  on  the  block, 
And  bid  him  strike? 

Zorabella.  O  heavens !    Yea ;  he  must  die ! 

In  truth  he  must !    O  gods,  what  wary  loves 
Can  rriove  the  gentlest  souls  to  deeds  of  crime ! 
Yea,  yea ;  this  night  he  dies.    Thou  are  my  friend. 
Thou  shalt  join  hand  in  this. 

Gyges.     [Aside]  A  hand  I'll  join, — 

[Aloud]     Indeed,  [Aside]  and  so,  I  hope,  a  heart. 

Zorabella.  What  say'st? 


ZORABELLA  63 

Gyges.     Oh,  naught,  my  queen.    The  deed,  if  'tis  well 

done, 

That  service  is  my  pay. 

Zorabella.  Oh,  thou'lt  reap  more. 

Gyges.     [Aside]     If    these   thy   words   shall   not   be 
prov'n  true, 

Then  I'm  a  simple  weakling  in  the  realm 

And  its  most  futile  plotsman.    [Aloud]    He  sleeps 
now; 

How  should  the  deed  be  done? 
Zorabella.  Instruct   thou   me! 

What  very  justice  to  a  panderer? 

It  must  be  done  abed!     Nerved  to  the  rack, 

My  feeble  frame  in  sweaty  terror  quakes, 

But  I  shall  do't.    In  hist'ry  have  proof, 

How    scorned    wives    from    husbands    ransomed 
are, — 

Yea,  they  are  ever  murdered  in  their  beds. 

Oh,   must  these  weak   and  trembling  hands  of 
mine 

Such  awful  vengeance  wreak?     O  horrid  time! 

Let  no  star  shine  upon  this  monstrous  deed. 

Come,  draw  the  curtains  o'er  each  pitying  eye 

That  no  restraining  power  may  stretch  its  hand 

Until  my  dagger's  wound  is  past  its  cure! 

We  must  choose  divers  routes.     Now  draws  the 
day 

That  shall  to  all  the  world  our  deed  lay  bare 

Unless  we  hasten  on.    Hence  to  his  room 

Ere  it  be  dawn. 
Gyges.  I  shall  not  fail  thee,  queen. 

I'll  serve  thee  well. 

[Exit  Zorabella] 


64  ZORABELLA 

Wherein  I  serve  myself 
Most  potently. 

'[Morashna  and  Zulesha  talk  apart] 
My  generals  heard  not?     Nay. 
Morashna  I  do  trust,  the  other,  fear; 
For  his  soft  nature  is  too  pliable 
To   conscience'    sting   to   thrust   the   murderer's 

sword, 
Which  hands, — not  hearts, — must   wield.     Well, 

I  must  go. 

I  see  my  crown.    If  I  mistake  me  not, 
To-morrow  shall  new  regents  ruling  see 
In  charge  of  Lydia's  high-arched  monarchy. 
Oh  ho !     Oh  ho !  my  lords,  come,  come  with  me ! 
[Exeunt] 


ACTV 

SCENE  I 

Sleeping  chamber  of  king;  Candaules  asleep  in  alcove. 

[Enter  Zorabella,  with  sheathed  dagger} 

Zorabella.     Alas !  thou  hast  done  treason  to  my  love, — 
That  crime  thou  diest  for.    I  would  be  spared 
From  this  dark  hour.    O  dismal,  woeful  time! 
O  most  false  perjurer!    That  I  must  'be 
Thine  executioner!     How  thou  li'st  there, — 
How  innocent  thou  sleep  Jst !    Oh,  that  thy  life, 
Like  now  thy  placid  sleep,  had  no  more  sin, — 
That  I  should  have  no  sorrow !     How  my  heart 
Doth  ache  to  wield  the  dagger  that  it  must! 
O  brute  adulterer!     Know,  'tis  not  I 
That  dare  exhaust  this  laboring  pump  of  life, 
But  'tis  thine  own  weak,  pale  infirmities, 
Now  scourged  by  justice,  hallow'd  and  divine. 

[Unsheathes  dagger] 
Up   with   this   arm !     Down,   down !     One   fatal 

stroke 

Shall  loose  the  sin  that  now  doth  loose  thy  life. 
No  more, — my  lord, — no  more !    Alas !    No  more ! 
Oh,  could  I  but  take  out  thy  wicked  heart, 
And  let  thee  live, — and  let  thee  live,  my  prince, 
And  love  thee  undefiled!     Then  take  this  kiss, 

65 


66  ZORABELLA 

A  loving  kiss, — one  more, — so  tender  'twas, 
As  was  thy  love  grown  harsh.     Mine  eyes  flood 

tears, 

But  this  my  sorrow's  naught. 
[Stabs  £andaules,  whereupon  the  curtain  of  alcove 

where  he  is  sleeping  is  drawn.    A  bell  is  rung 

by  Zorabella.    Exit} 

[Enter  Gyges,  Morashna,  and  Zulesha] 

Gyges.     [To  Morashna  and  Zulesha]     The  bell  hath 

rung,  the  sign  whereby  we  know 
Her  mute  and  awful  vengeance  is  complete. 
All's   well!     Guard  well  the  door  that  no  one 

pass, 

While  I  shall  penetrate  that  inner  shrine 
And  to  me  introduce  its  butchery. 

[Exeunt  Morashna  and  Zulesha] 

[Re-enter  Zorabella,  with  bleeding  dagger} 

Gyges.     Oh,  is  it  done,  my  queen?    Thou  need'st  not 

speak. 

Thy  reeking  dagger's  crimson  tongue  repeats 
What   vengeance   thou  hast   wrought.      Think'st 

thou  that  now 

The  deed  be  truly  done?    Did  he  not  wake 
As  thou  didst  pierce  his  side? 

Zorabella.  Nay,  nay,  my  lord ; 

He  slumbered  on.     'T  was  an  unending  sleep, 
Wherefrom  he  shall  no  more  awake, — no  more! 

Gyges.     Then  saw  he  naught,  nor  oped  his  eyes? 

Zorabella.  Nay,  sir, — 


ZORABELLA  67 

As  true  as  that  I  breathe, — naught  could  he  know. 

'Twas  but  a  sudden,  wished-for  franchisement, 

Whereby  from  this  life's  troubled  shore  he  sprang 

To  that  dim  island  of  eternity. 

Nor  time,  nor  will  had  he  to  look  behind 

For  faithful  soundings  of  his  fleeting  course 

That  he  might  leave't  to  after  voyagers. 

Gyges.     Good,  then,  my  queen !     So  tremble  not,  nor 

fear 

That  ever  ghost  shall  rise  to  bruit  the  tale, 
Since  his  life's  eyes  did  bear  no  evidence, 
That  might  to  sheeted  progeny  be  lent. 

Zorabella.     Oh,  thou  dost  teach  me  well.     I  shall  be 

bold. 

I'll  clench  my  fists.    I'll  say  that  't  is  not  done. 
But  lo!    It  is, — it  is!     O  heavens!    Alas! 
What  bloody  dagger  wakes  me  from  my  dreams  ? 

Gyges.     Come,  come ;  'tis  not  a  time  for  conscience 

keen, 

Nor  scruples  such  as  this.    We  must  away 
With  this  foul  taint  of  crime.    It  must  'be  hid 
From  sight  of  gods  and  men, — I  say,  it  must. 

Zorabella.     Would  that  thou  couldst?    I  fear  we  can 
not  scour 

The  baser  dross,  but  with  the  brighter  gold, 
And  thus  cleanse  all  away.    Let's  bare  the  truth, — • 
'T  will  come  to  light. 

Gyges.  Hush,  hush,  thou  woman, — hush, — 

Let  man  rule  here.     No  weak-kneed  cowardice 
Be  ours.    Prompt  be  our  acts.    By  bells  and  fifes 
This  house, — roused  up  in  dire  and  dread  alarm, — 
Shall  mourn  to  see  its  noble  master  slain. 


68  ZORABELLA 

Doubt    not    but    they    will    question    this    dread 

deed, — 
Which  question  is  our  hope. 

Zorabella.  Nay,  't  is  the  snare 

By  which  we  shall  be  gyved. 

Gyges.  This  bloody  ring, — 

I'll  drop  it  here.    Tis  Moroz',  from  him  filched, — 
This  is  a  deed  of  mine  own  hammering, — 
And  it  shall  train  such  shaft  at  Moroz'  head 
That  none  shall  seek  for  further  proof. 

Zorabella.  Fair  craft ! 

Keen  wit !    Yet  Moroz  was,  as  all  do  know, 
The  king's  most  bosom  friend?    Why  should  he 
slay? 

Gyges.     The  better  reason.    Hast  thou  not  oft  heard 
That  blackest  traitors  spring  from  loyal  friends? 
Of  many  such  I  know,  where  those  who  fawn 
False  hearts  do  wear,  and  sugar-coated  tongues, 
Sheathed  daggers  'neath  their  smiles. 

Zorabella.  But 't  must  be  proved., 

Gyges.     Why,  'tis  well  known  how  they  to  issue  came 

On  thy  dear  brother's  fate ;  Moroz  played  fair, 

And  for  him  plead. 

Zorabella.       .  Then  taint  not  him  therefor. 

Gyges.    Why,  this  is  policy.    List  now  besides : 

'Tis  known  that  monarchy  he  did  abhor. 

He  led  the  commons  'gainst  plutocracy. 
Zorabella.   I  do  recall.    But  he'll  deny  the  crime 

Most  vigorously. 
Gyges.  I'll  warrant  thee,  he'll  not. 

A  letter,  forged  in  secret,  him  advised 

How  this  late  king  did  fret  to  take  his  life, — 


ZORABELLA  69 

Suspecting  gross,  foul  plots  against  the  crown, — 

Whereat  he  fled. 
Zorabella.     How  wise  thou  art  in  craft! 

Thy  wit  should  win  thee  this  usurper's  seat, 

Whom  now  I  slew. 
Gyges.     [Aside]     And  shall  most  shortly,  too. 

But  still,  my  tongue,  and  answer  when  she  can 

The  title  unencumbered  give,  and  when 

I  fitter  am  to  take  it.     [Aloud]     O  my  queen, 

I  thank  thee.     Mayst  thou  prosper!    When  thou 
hear'st 

The  fray  mine  officers  shall  sound  abroad. 

Then  hasten  hither,  and,  with  wondrous  stare, 

Put  question  to  the  deed. 

[Exit  Zorabella] 

[Morashna  and  Zulesha  enter,  signaled  by  Gyges] 

Ring  out  the  bells! 

Sound  loud  the  fife!    So  drawl  her  heavy  notes 
That  every  soul  be  roused  up  turbulent, 
As  from  an  evil  dream.     [Exit] 

[Morashna  and  Zulesha  ringing  and  fifing.  Curtain 
falls  on  noise  of  bells  and  horns  and  rushing 
together  of  lords] 

SCENE  II 

Same  as  Scene  I;  Gyges  and  Zorabella  in  animated 
conversation. 

Gyges.  'T  was  eas'ly  won ! 

Through  me,  on  Moroz'  head  the  blame  is  laid, 


70  ZORABELLA 

And  we  the  bolt  of  censure  have  escaped. 
Thy  partner  in  the  sowing  of  thy  hopes, 
Why,  then,  exempt  me  from  the  harvesting? 
We  do  but  waste  the  time.     Come,  let  us  wed. 
A  priest  but  standeth  by  to  join  our  hopes, 
Then  we  may  seize  the  realm  with  such  a  gripe, 
That  none  might  shake  us  from  the  throne. 

Zorabella.  Alas ! 

My    heart    rebels    at    this.      Thou    know'st    my 

thoughts, — 

They  are  but  woman's !    There  need  be  no  haste, 
No  matter  what  a  widow's  choice  may  be, — 
Yet  am  I  'counted  queen. 

Gyges.  This  answer's  naught. 

Thou  dost  not  know  thyself.     I  care  no  whit 
With  horrid  scenes  to  load  thy  memory, 
Nor  speak  how  ably  didst  thou  plunge  the  sword 
That  carved  its  passage  to  thy  great  lord's  heart, — 
Of  that  I  will  not  speak.    Our  secret  't  is, 
And  not  for  others'  ears. 

Zorabella.  If  that  thou  plann'st, — 

Then  execute !    I'll  answer  then  thy  charge. 
Thou  didst  but  counsel  all. 

Gyges.  Shall  that  thee  shield? 

Didst  thou  not  do  the  deed  ? 

Zorabella.  Yea,  murder  't  was, — 

Most  foul, — that  fouler  grows  to  think  thereon. 
Oh,  must  I  bow  my  head  before  that  thought  ? 
Did  I  so  stoop  ?    Alas !     Did  these  my  hands, — 
My     hands  ! — What     gory     stains ! — yet     I     had 
cause — 

Gyges.    Canst  answer  to  a  crying  kingdom  thus 
Who  did  the  very  walks  and  lanes  adore 


ZORABELLA  71 

Wherein  their  master  trod? 

Zorabella.  Oh,  do  relent ! 

I  shall  be  kind,  subservient,  gentle  too. 
Here  is  my  pledge,  yet  to  such  loathsome  bond 

[Handing  sceptre  to  Gyges] 
I  will  not,  cannot  yield.    All  that  thou  wilt, — 
All  titles,  fortunes  that  I  owe, — take  all, — 
But  never  ask  my  hand. 

Gyges.  I  wish  naught  else. 

I  speak  my  love.    Didst  think  my  heart  was  cold 
Because  I  ne'er  paid  court  to  thee,  my  queen, 
In  schoolboy  fashion?     Nay,  I  risk'd  my  life 
To  serve  thy  cause.     When  thou  by  him  wast 

wronged 

Who  came  to  rescue  thee?    By  deeds  I  sought 
My  love  to  prove,  not  by  sheer  words,  dear  queen. 
[Approaching  and  grasping  Zorabella' s  hand] 
The  heart  that  doth  its  passion  now  unfold 
Doth  love  thee  more  than  life.    The  water's  spray 
That  doth  but  gently  babble,  queen,  thou  know'st, 
Springs   from  the  deepest   fount.     Oh,  come, — 
assent ! 

Zorabella.     Away!     Do  not  my  sacred  person  touch 
With  thy  foul  hands.     Could  I  believe  thy  vows, 
Wouldst  thou  consent  to  wear  the  tottering  crown 
That  from  Candaules'  head  I  now  did  throw? 
Think'st  thou  that  I  did  free  me  of  his  love 
To  seek  a  lesser  in  another's  breast? 

Gyges.     It  is  a  greater  love,  I  swear. 

Zorabella.  Swear  not. 

The  gods  forbid !     Thou  know'st  I  cannot  yield. 
What  of  the  host  who  sip  this  rank  abuse 
Of  how  our  sovereign  master  met  his  death? 


72  ZORABELLA 

What  of  the  exiled  lord,  who'd  scurry  back, 
Intrenched  with  arms  of  law  and  evidence, 
Heard  he  of  this? 

Gyges.  My  strength  shall  answer  that. 

Zorabella.     Thy  strength, — thy  strength  ?    O  heavens  ! 

Wherefore  this? 

Boast  of  thy  strength,  if  so  thy  pleasure  be, 
But  thou  shalt  never  make  me  yield. 

Gyges.  By  Jove ! 

I'll  change  my  tune,  I'll  plead  no  more  with  thee. 
Know   that   I've   wrest   from  thee  the   crown   I 

begged 

And  bear  the  name  of  king.    No  more  defy ; 
Lest  I  should  seize  thee, — traitor  to  my  cause, — 
And  cry  thy  dagger's  practice  to  the  skies, 
That  all  may  hue  thy  death.    Rest  thou  assured, 
That  if  to-morrow  crowns  thee  Lydia's  queen, 
So  shall  it  crown  me  king. 

Zorabella.  My  guards  I'll  call. 

Thou  shalt  be  seized.  {Zorabella  calls  on  atten 
dants,  but  none  answer}  I  know  thy  treason 
now, — 

Oh,  had  I  known't  before !    This  is  thy  plot ! 
I  am  thy  victim  now ! 

Gyges.  Yea,  call  thy  men. 

Thou  shalt  find  none. 

Zorabella.     Alas!     Thus  hath  my  wicked  wrath 

Sought  vengeance  on  my  life !    Oh,  curse  the  day 
That  I  did  steep  my  hands  in  his  dear  blood 
To  face  such  brutish  monster  now.     Ye  gods! 
Must  I  be  scourged  by  mine  unshriven  sin 
And  cowered  into  lust  ?    Dost  thou  not  know 
A  woman's  heart  ?    Canst  feel  a  woman's  love  ? 


ZORABELLA  73 

Sink  in  her  heart  no  colder,  chiller  steel 
Than  love  enforced.     O  brutish,  villainous  man ! 
Here  kneel  I  down  'fore  thee.    Yea,  if  thou  wilt; 
Come  with  this  sword  and  take  thy  triumph  now, 
But  for  mine  erring  soul  show  pity  still, 
And  drive  me  not  to  that  deep  den  of  lust 
That  thou  hast    signaled    me.      Here,   take   this 
blade, — 

[Handing  dagger  to  Gyges] 
I  know  its  steel, — 't   was  proved   in   my  king's 

breast, — 
And  plunge  it  in  my  heart.    I'll  ask  no  more. 

Gyges.     [With    defiant   sneer]     Away!    away!    thou 

patch  of  tattering  tears ! 

Think'st  thou  I  have  regard  for  woman's  sighs, 
Or  that  their  mildness  melts  heroic  hearts 
That  know  naught  but  of  might  and  soldiery? 
Bethink  thee  yet  a  while,  and  bring  to  me 
More  fit  response.     [Leaving] 

Zorabella.     Oh,  stay.    Oh,  go  not  yet! 

Canst  thou  e'er  say  I  sought  thy  service,  sir, 
For  ends  unchaste  ?  Was  not  my  purpose  pure, 
As  I  did  think  my  lord  was  false? 

Gyges.  Well, — well  ? 

Zorabella.     I  would  not  have  thee  think,  my  lord,  that 

I 

Did  e'er  mine  honor  taint.    A  gem  it  is 
More  precious  than  my  life. 

Gyges.  That's  naught  to  me. 

Thou  dost  evade. 

Zorabella.  No  longer  then  will  I— 

In  reminiscing,  sir,  I  needs  must  grant 
The  vengeance  that  my  steel  so  sadly  wrought 


74  ZORABELLA 

Was  rashly  tak'n.    Yea,  him  I  slew, — alas ! — 
But  for  a  sign.    Thus  was  his  flagrant  sin 
Ne'er    overt    shown,    nor    e'er    confessed,    ne'er 

proved ; 

But  this  thy  treason  boldly  standeth  out, 
Naked  and  exposed.    The  goddess  bids  me  weigh 
Your  two  offenses  now.     Poised  is  the  scales ! 
Thine  tips  the  beam.     Minerva  lifts  her  voice, 
And  this  I  hear :  "Avenge,  avenge,  avenge !" 
There  is  mine  answer,  sir. 

[Stabs  Gyges] 

Gyges.     [Falling,  strikes  at  Zorabella,  wounding  her] 

Oh,  treachery ! 
Take  that  for  thee! 

Zorabella.  Oh,  ah !    I'm  slain, — I'm  slain ! 

{Enter  Lords,  running} 

First  Lord.     Ah  me!     What  quarry's  here? 

Second  Lord.  Why,  't  is  our  queen ! 

She's  wounded,  sirs. 

Third  Lord.  And  Gyges!     What  hath  happ'd? 

First  Lord.     O  horrible!     Each  hath  the  other  slain. 

Gyges.     [Rising  on  arm]     No,   still  I  live,  but  ah ! 

't  is  true,  I  fear. . 

Oh,  how  my  wheel  of  fortune  thus  is  gripp'd, 
And  I  am  halt !    Oh,  how  mine  awful  sins 
Do  weigh  me  heavier  than  my  steel.    What  peace 
Have  I?    Not  all  the  Himalayan  snow 
Can  cleanse  my  black  heart  white,  nor  strike  out 

now 

The  dreadful  crimes  of  blood  and  treachery 
That  I  am  guilty  of.    Justice  divine! 


ZORABELLA  75 

Thou  art  in  all  supreme!     Thou  humble'st  me 
And  mak'st  me  to  confess.     Oh,  oh,  oh,  oh; 
Oh,  that  we  might  grow  older,  wiser,  young, 
And  backward  weave  the  threads  of  destiny, — 
From  hoary  hairs  to  youth's  soft  trundle-bed, — 
Oh,  then,  how  few  would  die  unshrift !    Oh,  here ! 
[Dies,  pointing  to  zvound] 

Second  Lord.     What  mysteries  doth  his  parting  soul 

divulge ! 

His  base  heart's  door  that  he  in  life  did  bar, 
Now  in  his  death  is  oped. 

Zorafoetta.     [Rising]     Did  Gyges  speak? 
O  monster  of  deceit!    What  gull  was  I 
To  take  his  words  for  truth.    My  lord  was  true, — 
Oh,  true! 

Third  Lord.     But  look !    Surprise  comes  on  surprise ! 
Here  is  the  fugitive. 

[Enter  Moroz,  followed  by  Zulesha] 

Lords.  We  greet  you  both. 

[To  Moroz] 
First  Lord.     Here  is  sad  news.     Didst  thou  not  flee, 

my  lord? 

Moroz.     True  I  did  flee,  but  on  my  way  did  meet 
Two  men  in  combat, — one,  Zulesha  here, 
The  other,  proud  Morashna,  who  swift  fell, 
Pierced  by  Zulesha's  spear.     He  oped  mine  eyes 
With  tales  ye  all  shall  long  to  hear.    These  tales 
Taught  me  what  depth  of  treason  stalked  abroad, 
And     my     return     compelled.       I'll     prove     my 

charge, — 
Gyges  a  traitor  is. 


76  ZORABELLA 

First  Lord.  'T  is  proved  ere  this. 

There  doth  he  lie,  by  Zorabella  slain. 

Moroz.     Oh,  let  me  see!  or  else  I'll  not  believe. 

[Approaching  Gyges'  body] 
Now  hear  Zulesha  speak. 

Zulesha.  When  it  is  breathed 

That  he  our  greatest  traitor  was, — all's  said. 
'Neath  him  I  labored  till  my  veins  grew  cold 
With  working  treacherous  deeds.     My  soul  re 
belled, 

But  when  I  sought  to  leave  his  services, 
Morashna,  his  best  spokesman,  took  offense, 
And  in  the  fray  that  from  our  words  ensued 
Perforce  I  slew  him. 

Moroz.  Thou  need'st  not  explain. 

Thou'rt  justified. 

Zorabella.  One  word  before  I  die : 

What  know'st  thou  of  Candaules'  faith  to  me? 

Zulesha.     No  truer  man  e'er  on  this  earth  did  live. 
That  traitor  stirred  thy  soul  to  murder  foul, 
To  claim  the  throne. 

Zorabella.  Exultant  then  I  die, 

To  know  I  'venged  his  wrongs !     O  Hermogene, 
Thou  who  hast  suffered  sadly  'neath  my  charge, 
Take   for  my  pardon  these  thy  rights   again, 
And  added  to  them  be  the  crown ;  't  is  thine 
And  mayst  thou  nobly  rule.     Oh,  I  am  faint ! 
What  see  I  there  ?     Candaules  ?  ho  !  my  lord  ? 
How  purer  'bove  all  else  thy  graces  glow! 

[Vision  of  Candaules  is  seen} 
Oh,  be  thou  sainted  for  thy  martyrdom 
That  I  did  bring  on  thee !    Oh,  there,  thou  flee'st 
To  that  dim,  faint  beyond  I  soon  shall  see, 


ZORABELLA  77 

And  leav'st  the  cold  dank  air  to  blanket  me. 
O  spirit,  whither  bound?     Oh,  pardon  me! 
But  nay,  alas !  alas !— Thou'rt  gone,  gone,  gone ! 
[Dies] 

Moros.     The  queen's  at  rest.     O  noble  Hermogene, 
Thine  is  the  crown,  and  may  the  heavens  lend 

grace 

And  pleasant  reign  and  lasting  benison. 
In  Gyges'  stead,  Zulesha,  thou  succeed'st, — 
And  nobler  far  wilt  thou  his  office  fill. 

Hermogena.     Oh,  let  us  to  the  gods  now  breathe  a 

prayer, 

That  with  their  kindly  blessings  I  may  rule, 
Not  thoughtless  of  my  dear  departed  prince, 
Whose  life  was  shorn  ere  that  his  time  were  due. 
Come  one,  come  all,  let's  join  in  amity; 
And  when  befitting  burial  we  have  giv'n 
To  each  sad  corse,  let  us  establish  straight 
Our  Lydian  realm  upon  full,  firmer  ground 
And  right  the  wrongs  that  did  her  honor  wound. 

CURTAIN 


THE  LIBRARY 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
LOS  ANGELES 


A    001247195    9 


PS 

3537 

S773z 


